We have a right to breath clean air. What is wrong with our society..why do we tolerate so much nonsense?

The average amount of total suspended particulate (TSP) matter in the air of main commercial areas of Kathmandu is greater than 1,000 parts per million (ppm), according to a recent study carried out by Environment Sector Program Support (ESPS), a Danish Cooperation Agency supported project.

The World Health Organization (WHO) standard for total suspended particulate is 150 to 230 ppm.

The concentration of particulate matter has increased significantly in the air of the valley, the ESPS report states. Concentrations of benzene, an aromatic hydrocarbon known to be a human carcinogen, is also a major concern now. Benzene levels have been recorded at 23 to 67 ppm, while WHO standards for benzene are only five to 20 ppm. http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/feb2004/2004-02-23-01.asp

Some particles, known as PM 10, are just one-seventh the width of a human hair. People exposed to PM 10 can suffer damage to breathing and respiratory systems, damage to lung tissue, cancer, and premature death. In Kathmandu, the concentration for PM 10 particulates is 200 ppm; by contrast the WHO standard is 70 ppmhttp://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/feb2004/2004-02-23-01.asp

Well what means do we have to tackle this problem... why would people in KTM bother about this problem.. they have more worries about putting food on the table...about not getting killed by either maoist, police, kidnappers..etc.. unfortunately the country isn't educated and advanced enough to deal with these problems yet..... this is reality but hope to tackle it soon in the future.


- Chakra

So, what is going to happen to our families and friends who live there and breathe that filthy air every living day of their lives? My heart aches every time I think about it. Undrinkable water, unbreathable air, violence, unstable government run by bunch of uneducated barbarians. Its just ridiculous. And Kathmandu people are only worried about cell phones, big wedding parties and fashion. Wake up people our children are going to die young with lung diseases if we dont act now.

 

Av,

Totally understand your worries dude, you have brought up a very good point here.. amongst many other the major problem our nation faces..not many think about the dangers of air pollution. It's all too much hai especially when you bring family and friends into the equation. As a whole, this is the time we fear most for our close ones back home through out these bad times. All you can advise them to do right now regarding air pollution is to wear mouth masks where-ever possible. About the other problems...well i think venturing outside only when it is very necessary would be one solution ... decreases the exposure to the violence and corrupt minded people out there who are looking out to commit crimes.

I know we are an impoverished country but surely there has to be Environmental Agency who should be setting some standards on emissions from factories and industrial pollutants. I'm not too clued up on the intricate details on air pollution but i'm sure looking for alternative energy from burning fossil fuels is a solution too...?? 

One worry of mine is the lack of sanitation. I haven't been back home recently but i hear there are garbage heaps that emit massively foul odours in every place on every road. We need systems for all these areas.. of course the people would be asked to pay tax in order to receive such a system..... soooo frustrating.........

God help restore our beloved country!!


- Chakra