There are several serious environmental health problems facing inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal including extremely poor air quality, unsafe water and lack of access to proper sanitation. These environmental problems are exacerbated by the fact that Nepal's annual population growth rate is estimated at 2.5-2.7%, resulting in a doubling every 25 years. In the last 30 years, the population of the Nepal has gone from 9 to 30 million people. Nepal is also one of the poorest nations in the world with an estimated per capita income of $210. Over 50% of the population live in absolute poverty without adequate access to education or health care. Not surprisingly, life expectancy in Nepal is 57 years and the literacy rate is less than 30%.
The Kathmandu Valley is the largest urbanized area in Nepal, and the capital city, Kathmandu, has an estimated population of over 1.1 million. Rapid population growth, poverty and inadequate infrastructure have resulted in an environmental health crisis in this area. Air quality in this bowl-shaped valley has been measured as dirtier than any other metropolitan area with the exception of Mexico City. Data will be presented for roadside PM10 concentrations at 30 locations throughout the Valley. Available information regarding drinking water quality, sanitation, and other environmental health issues will also be presented.
Learning Objectives: 1. List the major environmental health problems in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. 2. Identify potential human health risks associated with these environmental health issues. 3. Describe actions currently being taken by the government of Nepal to reduce or eliminate the environmental health problems.
Keywords: Environmental Health, Air Pollutants
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.