We have a right to breath clean air. What is wrong with our society..why do we tolerate so much nonsense?

The average amount of total suspended particulate (TSP) matter in the air of main commercial areas of Kathmandu is greater than 1,000 parts per million (ppm), according to a recent study carried out by Environment Sector Program Support (ESPS), a Danish Cooperation Agency supported project.

The World Health Organization (WHO) standard for total suspended particulate is 150 to 230 ppm.

The concentration of particulate matter has increased significantly in the air of the valley, the ESPS report states. Concentrations of benzene, an aromatic hydrocarbon known to be a human carcinogen, is also a major concern now. Benzene levels have been recorded at 23 to 67 ppm, while WHO standards for benzene are only five to 20 ppm. http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/feb2004/2004-02-23-01.asp

Some particles, known as PM 10, are just one-seventh the width of a human hair. People exposed to PM 10 can suffer damage to breathing and respiratory systems, damage to lung tissue, cancer, and premature death. In Kathmandu, the concentration for PM 10 particulates is 200 ppm; by contrast the WHO standard is 70 ppmhttp://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/feb2004/2004-02-23-01.asp