Govt advises people to wear mask as air quality worsens

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population has urged people to wear face masks stating that air pollution levels have increased in Kathmandu Valley.

Ministry spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki has requested people to avoid unnecessary outings and travel, and stay away from highly polluted areas as far as possible, citing extremely high air pollution levels in Kathmandu Valley.

“Air pollution affects the heart and blood vessels, lungs, brain, eyes, nose, ears and throat, and increases the risk of asthma and cancer. It also increases the risk of low birth weight babies and premature births,” states a notice issued by the ministry.

With the possibility of heat waves in the Tarai region during summer, the ministry has requested people to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement and consume adequate fluids.