Cambodia Calls for Caution Due to Poor Air Quality
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Synopsis
On January 25, Cambodia's government emphasized the importance of caution due to high air pollution, advising residents to wear masks outdoors. The air quality in multiple provinces, including Phnom Penh, has reached alarming levels, prompting health warnings for vulnerable populations.
Key Takeaways
- Cambodia warns citizens about high air pollution levels.
- Use of masks during outdoor activities is recommended.
- Vulnerable groups include children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
- Indoor safety measures include closing windows and doors.
- Monitoring of air quality occurs annually from December to April.
Phnom Penh, Jan 25 (NationPress) On Saturday, the Cambodian government urged individuals to exercise heightened caution in light of significant air pollution levels, recommending the use of masks during outdoor activities.
Air quality in the capital, Phnom Penh, along with Banteay Meanchey, Koh Kong, and Siem Reap provinces, has reached a “red level”, indicating high pollution levels in these areas.
The Ministry of Health advised that residents should remain indoors when air quality is rated as high (red level) or very high (purple level), especially if the sky appears foggy due to increased pollution.
“Keep windows and doors closed to block harmful air from entering your homes,” the ministry stated in an announcement.
“During times of high or very high air pollution, individuals should limit outdoor activities or wear masks when necessary,” the statement continued.
Vulnerable groups include infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with lung or cardiovascular diseases. Individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, or fatigue are encouraged to seek medical attention at nearby hospitals.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Education recommended that both students and teachers properly wear masks when outdoors to avoid inhaling harmful air or dust that could negatively impact their health, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Khvay Atitya, an Under Secretary of State for the Ministry of Environment, noted that air quality is monitored annually from December to April in Phnom Penh and other provinces to assess levels of PM10 and PM2.5 particles.
“Phnom Penh, along with Banteay Meanchey, Koh Kong, and Siem Reap, are currently experiencing a red air quality index due to rising concentrations of PM 2.5 particles in the atmosphere,” he stated on Friday.
He attributed the increasing levels of air pollutants to climate change, which has led to a rise in PM 2.5 particles in the atmosphere.
PM 2.5 originates from various sources, including industrial facilities, diesel vehicles, forest fires, agricultural burning, and waste incineration at construction sites and dumps.
The spokesperson also called on local authorities to implement strategies to enhance air quality by educating the public on the dangers of open burning of trash, grass, plastic waste, agricultural debris, and other materials.
