Health Ministry Urges People to Take Precautions as Air Quality Remains Poor

An aerial view shows the city skyline blanketed in polluted haze in Phnom Penh on January 24, 2025. Photo by AFP

PHNOM PENH — The Ministry of Health has issued a warning, advising people to avoid outdoor activities and wear masks as the air quality in some provinces remains unhealthy, continuing to be at red levels.

As the Ministry of Health indicated in its message, air quality levels vary from one location to the other in the country, but they exceed healthy levels in some areas. Therefore, it is recommended that people take precautions to protect their health.

“Stay indoors during periods of high (red color) or very high (purple) air quality index or hazy conditions due to increased concentrations of air pollutants,” the statement read.

The ministry also suggested that people close their windows and doors to prevent pollutants from entering their homes, and that people minimize outdoor activities when air quality levels reach unhealthy conditions.

“It is essential to wear masks when necessary and drink plenty of water,” the ministry added in its statement.

As of Jan. 25, the Ministry of Environment reported that the concentration of air pollution particles known as PM2.5 was 65.72 µg/m3 in Cambodia, exceeding the recommended standard of 50 µg/m3 for good air quality.

Moreover, air quality in Banteay Meanchey, Koh Kong, Pursat and Siem Reap provinces remains unhealthy at the red level. 

Banteay Meanchey recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 278, the highest among the 25 capitals and provinces. The AQI in Koh Kong, Siem Reap, and Pursat reached 246, 231, and 209, respectively.

Nearly everyone in Southeast Asia has been breathing polluted air. In 2023, nine countries in the region were ranked among the world’s 40 most polluted nations. 

According to IQAir, as of Friday, Jan. 24, Southeast Asian cities were ranked among the most polluted cities in the world. Ho Chi Minh City was ranked second, followed by Phnom Penh in fourth place and Bangkok in fifth.

Air pollution is not a new issue in Southeast Asia; the region has been confronting severe air pollution due to significant local emissions and transboundary air pollution (TAP), resulting in considerable health concerns and impacts.

According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the poor air quality is mainly driven by the burning of fossil fuels for power generation, industry, and transportation; the burning of biomass, such as firewood, for cooking, heating, and lighting in homes; and the unregulated burning of trash and crop residue. 

In cities such as Phnom Penh, the sources of pollution usually come from waste and transport in cities, while pollution comes from agricultural activities and burning in rural areas.

 

 

 

Cambodianess

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