PROJECT: Air Quality

$5,500 to LEADERS to continue their study examining how air pollution affects respiratory symptoms among children living in and around numerous industries near the Lumbini Development Zone (“LDZ”) in Nepal. Lumbini is the birth place of Buddha and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. There are 18 high polluting industries operating near the LDZ such as cement, steel, iron, and brick factories that emit harmful pollutants such as PM 2.5, PM 10, PAH’s particulate matter, carbon monoxide, heavy metals (HG, Cd, CR, PB, Zn, Ni, Cu) sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The study was expanded to include more schools and children and to obtain health effects data from 400 additional children and their mothers living in this area.

Results of the 23 page study include: 1) The air pollution (PM 2.5) levels near the LDZ are alarmingly high; 2) The wind speeds in the area are inadequate for effective dispersion of particulate matter; 3) Children who live and attend schools nearby are exposed to high levels of air pollution and are more prone to respiratory illnesses; and 4) Peak expiratory flow rates of children living in the exposed area are substantially lower than those in the control area. The study recommends that a comprehensive air quality monitoring network be established in Lumbini and surrounding areas, that there be a more comprehensive health impact assessment with mitigation measures taken by industries and a phased relocation plan for the most polluting industries. The study will support the public interest litigation that has begun.