KATHMANDU, March 2: Kathmandu Valley has enjoyed a decrease in air pollution. Since Saturday (February 17), the Department of Environment has reported an improvement in air quality in areas such as Shankhpark, Khumaltar, and Bhaktapur.
On Sunday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in these areas ranged from 109 to 126, down from 154 to 186 last Friday.
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With light rainfall over the past two days, the level of PM (Particulate Matter) 2.5 in the air of the Kathmandu Valley has also decreased. On Sunday at 11:30 am, the AQI in Shankhpark was 126, and the PM 2.5 concentration dropped to 51.2 micrograms per cubic meter from 140.14 micrograms per cubic meter.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality standards, an AQI up to 50 is considered "healthy." Air, with an AQI ranging from 101 to 150, is considered "unhealthy" for children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases. An AQI between 151 and 200 is deemed "unhealthy" for everyone. An AQI between 201 and 300 is classified as "very unhealthy," and anything above that is considered "hazardous”.
PM 10 and PM 2.5 serve as the main indicators of air quality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards, air becomes unhealthy if the concentration of PM 2.5 exceeds 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
PM 2.5 refers to particles smaller than 2.5 microns, which are invisible to the naked eye, and includes substances such as carbon monoxide, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides. PM 10 measures the dust particles in the air.
