KATHMANDU, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The air in Nepali capital, Kathmandu Valley, is highly polluted owing to the pervasive traffic exhaust, dusty roads and unmanaged garbage, a study revealed here Saturday.

    Around 59 percent air pollution in the valley is attributed to the smoke emitted by the factories and traffic, 29 percent to the dusty roads, 11 percent to the garbage and 1 percent to other types of polluting factors, stated a report based on a recent survey by the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project.

    According to the survey, the presence of dust particles in the air of Kathmandu Valley is recorded at 120 micro grams per cubic meter, which is said to be far higher than the universally determined world standards.

    However, the presence of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen-oxide and other particles, which are said to be more harmful to human health, has been recorded no higher than the world standards, according to the World Conservation Association Nepal.

    The number of patients suffering from asthma, cough, bronchitisand other respiratory problems is on rise owing to the increased air pollution.

    Tests of the presence of dust particles and other pollutants inthe air are conducted regularly after the establishment of Air Quality Monitoring Centers in some areas in the valley. Enditem