Health problems due to air pollution

The most common route for pollutants to enter the human body is by inhalation. So the most common effect of air pollution is development of respiratory diseases. Air pollution can also have adverse impacts on other important systems such as cardiovascular system and central nervous system. Studies have shown that children, elderly and people with lung and heart diseases are more vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution. An analysis of hospital records from three major hospitals in Kathmandu indicates that the number of COPD patients admitted to hospitals has increased significantly in the last ten years. Hospital records indicate that the number of COPD patients is highest in the dry winter months when air pollution in Kathmandu is at its highest peak.

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 3 million people die each year due to air pollution in the world (World Bank 2003, ''Health Impacts of Outdoor Air Pollution''. South Asia Urban Air Quality Management Briefing, paper No. 11). According to the WHO, air pollution is responsible for increases in outpatient visits due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, hospital admissions and mortality.

Exposure from bio-mass smoke is estimated to cause a global death toll of 2.5 million every year equivalent to 4 to 5 % of total global deaths. In fact, the emerging data from recent studies indicate that risk-wise, it ranks only below malnutrition and poor quality of water / sanitation. In Nepal, total death from pneumonia alone is reported to be 4429 during the last 12 months preceding 2001 census (4.14 % of the total deaths). Similarly, the total deaths from asthma / bronchitis are reported to be 7170 (6.71% of the total deaths). According to Nepal Demography and Health survey, 2001, the prevalence of Acute Respiratory Infection for children below 5 years old is found to be 23 %. The below 5 years population is 12.1 % of the total population. Health hazards of housewives have been traditionally underestimated in the developing countries. . It is considered as a social responsibility of the women. The work of housewives can be categorised as hazardous occupation as they might be exposed to volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons everyday. There are evidences that indoor air pollution may increase the risk of respiratory tract infections and lung cancer among housewives.