KATHMANDU, Nov 3: A recent study has revealed that air pollution from brick kilns operating within the Kathmandu Valley is seriously affecting the health of workers and nearby residents. The research, published last week in the scientific journal Atmospheric Pollution Research, highlights dangerously high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in areas surrounding the kilns.
The study found that PM2.5 levels near communities around brick kilns were 17 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended annual limit, and levels inside the kiln premises were 30 times higher. For reference, WHO recommends an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 5 µg/m³, while Nepal’s standard allows a daily average of 40 µg/m³.
During kiln operations, the average PM2.5 level measured 151.2 µg/m³ inside the kiln premises and 84.6 µg/m³ within a 1-kilometer radius of surrounding settlements. In contrast, levels dropped to 8.8 µg/m³ inside and 7.5 µg/m³ outside during periods when the kilns were not operating, such as during the monsoon.
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The study also noted that women in these communities are more affected by respiratory issues than men, and workers inside the kilns frequently suffer from chronic coughing. Researchers observed a higher prevalence of breathing difficulties, asthma, and persistent coughs among residents in the study area.
While previous studies in Nepal and other South Asian countries primarily focused on health risks to kiln workers, this research emphasizes community-level health impacts. Brick kilns are estimated to contribute nearly 20% of overall air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley.
In 2023, approximately 130,000 tons of fuel were used for brick production in the valley, including 54,000 tons of coal, 73,000 tons of wood dust, 1,200 tons of hog plum seeds, and 1,400 tons of sugarcane residue. The study found that most traditional “jig-jack” brick kiln technologies emitted 1,951 tons of PM2.5 and 1,288 tons of carbon monoxide annually.
Air pollution expert Bhupendra Das, who led the study, emphasized that communities living near brick kilns face high risks of long-term respiratory diseases. He highlighted that the use of outdated kiln technology, low-quality fuels, and weak regulatory oversight exacerbates pollution levels, and urgent measures are needed to protect public health.
The study recommends adopting modern technologies and clean fuels, regular air quality monitoring, and stricter government regulations and policy reforms to mitigate pollution from brick kilns.
