Human beings need air. Without air, we humans would not exist. It is one of our most essential needs but why is it that it is so polluted? Air pollution is one of the main problems that we face today and yet we still haven't been able to control it.

Pollution is the direct and/or indirect adverse impacts of contaminants on the environment. Any form of pollution can be detrimental to humans and the ecosystem. 

Air pollution can be extremely harmful to human health. The quality of the air we breathe is directly connected to a healthier lifestyle. It is the first basic step to a healthier life. 

What causes something so precious to be polluted? There are many factors that have caused the toxic air in Kathmandu. Since there are many ongoing development projects, it becomes a major factor in deteriorating air pollution. Alongside that, the air pollution from other cities can also affect the air. The migrated wind currents from Lahore and Delhi which are some of the most polluted cities in the world have also heavily affected the air pollution in Nepali valleys like Kathmandu and Pokhara. As well as valleys like Kathmandu and Pokhara, cities that neighbor the Indian border have also been affected by the ongoing wind currents. 

The air quality in Kathmandu is not good and it continues to deteriorate. The air quality index or the AQI fluctuates between moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups to very unhealthy. 

Fresh air is like a blessing but it is not something easily accessible these days especially in polluted cities. Fresh, unpolluted air is good for the body as it can improve blood pressure and clean out the lungs. It also keeps away from all the health issues that come with polluted air. 

Polluted air is toxic and poses a threat to our bodies. It can cause serious long-term issues. Diseases caused by air pollution can vary from common diseases like respiratory illnesses and allergies to lung cancer and strokes. It is also known that conditions like asthma and heart disease are worsened because of the effect pollution has on humans. Some research proves that breathing in polluted air is like smoking cigarettes and can be just as detrimental to human health. Cigarettes can cause emphysema, cancer, and lung diseases. If pollution is like smoking a pack of cigarettes then that means that hazardous pollution can give us the same outcome as smoking cigarettes. It is estimated that nearly two and a half million people are killed due to the outcome of air pollution. Air pollution is a threat to humans. Older people and younger children are especially targeted as they have weaker immune systems. Air pollution is something deadly to humans so it needs to be solved.

As cities continue to grow, air pollution will likely follow. As something with so many bad effects continue to grow it will continue to cause more and more problems for humans. What will we do when something so vital becomes too toxic? The only solution is to face the problem before it becomes too late.