Apr 30, Kathmandu- The Ministry of Health and Population has asked people to wear masks due to increased air pollution in Kathmandu.

The Ministry has mentioned that Kathmandu's air is at the top of the world's unhealthiest list and asked to wear masks. Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson of the ministry, requested people not to go out unnecessarily, travel and stay away from highly polluted areas as much as possible because of the high air pollution in Kathmandu. According to the 'World Air Quality Index', which measures the state of air pollution around the world, Kathmandu's air is at the top of the world's unhealthy list.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson Budhathoki, it is said, "Air pollution affects the heart and blood vessels, lungs, brain, eyes, nose, ears, throat, etc. and also increases the risk of asthma, cancer, etc. Due to air pollution, there is a risk of low birth weight and premature birth. In Nepal, most of the annual deaths due to air pollution are children under the age of five, pregnant women, chronically ill people and the elderly. This has reduced the average life expectancy of Nepalese by 4.1 percent".

As there is a high possibility of hot air blowing in the Terai during summer and heatstroke, the ministry has requested that people should not go outside unnecessarily during hot air and consume enough loose food. According to the ministry, the number of patients in hospitals and health institutions across the country has increased with the increase in summer.