Travelling on the roads like Kathmandu valley is an ordeal. And it is not just limited to those crazy traffic jams; along with it the vehicles gift those harmful fumes to our lungs. In addition, the dust makes the situation worse.
The rise in air pollution has been tremendous in the city. Along with the environment, the health of the Capital’s denizens is also at grave risk.
The effects
There are many health hazards of air pollution and the instant effect is on respiratory system. “Most diseases caused by air pollution are related to respiratory tract, nose. Dust allergy , allergic farengitis, bronchitis and various skin problems are the common ones,” said Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Basnet, physician at Bir Hospital.
On the other hand, the long-term hazards are COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases) and pneumonia. “Effects of pollution depend on the suspend dust particles and it can result in cancer to,” added Dr. Basnet.
Smoke emitted by cars and heavy vehicles has a high density of carbon particles and it can lead to hazardous consequence on lungs. It is essential to recognize a few signs caused by dust pollution. Some of symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, sneezing, headache. “These can also occur when a person has viral infection, but if such problems are prolonged then consulting a doctor is wise,” advise Dr. Basnet.
Vulnerable group
When it comes to hazards of air pollution, everyone’s share is equal. However, for some the effect is more severe. Children and elderly people are the most vulnerable group. “The immune system is not properly developed in children, while as you age, it starts deteriorating,” explained Dr. Basnet.
He added that until 25 years of age, one’s lungs function at full-fledged capacity. But with age, the capacity starts decreasing. “Pollution and smoking aggravates that diminishing capacity. Furthermore, in any disease, the environment factor plays a major role in susceptibility,” pointed out Dr. Basnet.
Against pollution
Unfortunately there is not much that can be done to protect oneself from air pollution. “Only system, law and order can help with the change. For instance condition of the roads needs to improve, construction area that releases dust has to be checked, trucks transporting sand should be covered. Various problems can only be minimized if all these are monitored,” asserted Dr. Basnet.
For the time being, the only precaution that one can rely on is avoid dusty areas, wear masks and close windows of your houses properly. But these are not the final solution. Mask is only helpful concerning big particles. It cannot prevent minute dust specks,” warned Dr. Basnet.
He also emphasized on the geographical location of the Valley, which is a major detriment concerning air pollution. “In plains like Terai, pollution will have a space and will not be trapped. Whereas Kathmandu is a valley and dust particles will not have any space to move out.”
Present scenario
The situation has worsened so much that you cannot avoid dust even behind closed doors. “The scenario regarding dust pollution is degrading day by day, because there is absence of pollution control mechanism,” stressed PK Jha, professor of Botany at Tribhuvan University.
The situation after five years will be alarming if it continues at this rate, he warns. Besides lack of greenery in the city, bad fuel quality worsens the situation. “The only solution to lessen this is to make technology and management functional,” said Jha.
HARD FACTS
The rate of increase: Total solid particles (tons per year) almost tripled from 1993 to 2005. Particulate matter production (PM) increase rate per year more than double.
Date of people effected: Prevalence of COPD in Nepal is 7.7 per cent. COPD is higher in Kathmandu valley than outside. It has increased significantly in the last 10 years.
Emission from vehicles doubled in the last 10 years. “Number of vehicles is increasing tremendously considering the size of the valley,” said Prof Jha. In July 2006 total vehicles in Nepal were 5,28,570 out of which 55 per cent was in Kathmandu valley. “In 2011, perhaps it will near a million,” he said.
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