The Ministry of Population and Environment (MoPE), the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (Icimod) and the US Embassy jointly inaugurated an air quality monitoring station at Ratna Park in the Capital on Tuesday.

The station will measure airborne particulate matter (PM 2.5) and pollution in the forms of ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide.

Particulate matters are small enough to enter through the respiratory system and create serious health consequences. The WHO standard for the particulate matter is 25 microgram per cubic meter (ug/m3) in 24-hour mean, and the national level standard for the particulate matter is 40 microgram per cubic meter (ug/m3).

Bishwa Nath Oli, secretary at the MoPE said that the government was working in close collaboration with development partners, academia and civil societies to minimise the problems created by air pollution in the public. He added that the MoPE was in the process of finalising National Pollution Control Strategy and Action Plan, and Air Quality Management Action Plan of Kathmandu Valley.

The US Embassy also inaugurated air quality monitoring stations at its Maharajgunj-based office and the American Recreation Center at Kantipath.

Addressing the event, Ambassador Alaina B Teplitz said that the people should know about the type and the amount of air pollution they are breathing to exercise their daily activities. She also noted that the information from the stations can help policy makers to formulate policies about air quality improvement.

It is estimated that 90 percent of air pollution related deaths occur in low and middle income countries. It is also the third leading cause of immature death.