Phnom Penh, Koh Kong, Banteay Meanchey Record Red Level Air Quality

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By:
- Torn Chanritheara
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January 24, 2025, 2:15 PM
PHNOM PENH – The Ministry of Environment has recorded red levels of air quality in Phnom Penh, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap and Koh Kong provinces as the PM2.5 level rose.
The ministry said that the average PM2.5 across the country was 74.24 micrograms per cubic meter between 2pm on Jan. 23 and 7am on Jan. 24.
Banteay Meanchey recorded 264 Air QuaIity Level (AQI), the highest among 25 capital/provinces. The PM2.5 level at Pouk district air quality monitor center was 120 micrograms per cubic meter.
PM2.5 airborne particles are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter and can lead to lung or heart disease with long-term exposure.
Koh Kong recorded 252 AQI, Siem Reap recorded 245 AQI while Phnom Penh recorded 218, the ministry said. Both were at red level. All results from six air quality monitor centers in the capital exceeded standard level of PM2.5 of 50 micrograms per cubic meter.
The red sign recommends avoiding outdoor activities, areas with high air pollution or the use of respiratory protection if necessary, according the ministry’s air quality website.
Those with health symptoms are advised to consult a doctor.
Kampong Chhnang, Kampot, Ratanakiri and Tboung Khmum recorded green levels, allowing to go outside and travel as usual. Individuals with mild allergies should reduce time spent outdoors.
The rest of the country recorded yellow and orange levels which recommend spending less time outdoors.
The ministry said the increase in the concentration of air pollutants in the atmosphere is related to climate change, which has caused PM2.5 to increase. Other sources included forest fires, burning of garbage and solid waste from homes.
The ministry asked the public to regularly monitor air quality information through the ministry’s media platform and protect their health well.
Authorities in provinces affected by the increase in PM2.5 are asked take measures to prevent and reduce pollution such as preventing burning and other fires, especially burning of straw, forest fires and burning of garbage.
The ministry has 60 monitoring centers across the country. Spokesperson Khvay Atiya said data from these centers may differ from those used by apps, which used data from satellites.
The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology forecasts that Cambodia will experience foggy condition from 2am to 7am until end of this month.
