The air quality in Phnom Penh can vary depending on the time of year and the specific location within the city. In general, the air quality in Phnom Penh is considered to be poor. The city experiences high levels of air pollution, particularly during the dry season, when dust and sand from nearby construction projects and agriculture can contribute to poor air quality. In addition, there is a lot of vehicle traffic in Phnom Penh, which can also contribute to air pollution.
It isn’t possible to say definitively what the air quality in Phnom Penh will be like throughout this year. Air quality can fluctuate due to various factors like weather, seasonal changes, and human activities.
Factors that can affect air quality in Phnom Penh include emissions from industrial activities, traffic, and open burning. The city’s population and economic growth, as well as its location in a low-lying area, can exacerbate the air pollution problem.
You check the air quality index before planning outdoor activities in Phnom Penh, and to take necessary precautions such as wearing a mask if the air quality is poor.
How polluted is Phnom Penh?
Recent research by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) shows that the largest sources of pollution in Cambodia today are transport, electricity generation, industry, and residential development.
Phnom Penh has grown rapidly in recent years in terms of economic development, among other things. However, this growth has also led to increased air pollution in the city. The burning of fuels such as petroleum, diesel, and coal in the transport, household, industrial, and energy sectors all contribute to the air pollution problem in Southeast Asian cities. In 2018, Cambodia ranked 164th out of 180 countries in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for air quality.
How bad is air pollution in Phnom Penh? According to Leakhena Hang and Lorn Soklis of the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC), in their “Assessment of People Perception on Air Quality in Phnom Penh, Capital City of Cambodia,” published in November 2020, “Fine particulate matter PM2.5 is a big concern parameter among other air pollutants which can cause effects to human health in the short and long-term.”
Should air pollution in Phnom Penh be a concern? Given the potential health risks associated with exposure to PM2.5 and other pollutants, it is important for both residents of Phnom Penh and visitors to the city to be aware of the air quality and take steps to reduce their own contributions to the problem, if possible.
How bad is air pollution in Phnom Penh?
According to IQAir, which publishes latest air quality index (AQI), Phnom Penh came in with an average yearly reading of 21.1 μg/m³. This reading put Phnom Penh into the ‘moderate’ pollution bracket, one which requires a PM2.5 reading of anywhere between 12.1 to 35.4 μg/m³ to be classified as such. “This shows that whilst Phnom Penh does not have an overtly bad level of air pollution, it could still stand to improve its air quality, coming in at 818th place out of all cities ranked worldwide.”
What is the air quality in Phnom Penh? Phnom Penh’s districts like Chamkar Mon, Chroy Changvar, and Toul Kork are among the highest concentration and AQI of PM2.5.
How to know more about the air you breath in your home?_ Actually, you can check the air quality based on particles (PM2.5) with this simple, easy-to-use air sensor VINDRIKTNING. And you can also use it with FÖRNUFTIG air purifier.
This VINDRIKTNING sensor checks the air quality by detecting particles (PM2.5) in your home. A light indicates 3 levels of air quality – green (good), yellow (ok), and red (not good).
How to improve indoor air quality and reduce air pollution in your home? It’s a fact, not a fiction that air pollution in your home can be just as bad – or even worse – than it is outdoors.
1. Invest in an air purifier.
2. Change your AC filter.
3. Use cooking vents.
4. Keep your rugs and carpets clean.
5. Control humidity in your home.
6. Keep it clean. A clean house is a healthier house.
7. Keep the greenery outdoors.
8. Get indoor plants to freshen the air. Essentially, plants are nature’s natural air filters.
When living in a city like Phnom Penh of Cambodia, improving your home air quality means that you take a small yet significant step to protect yourself from the damage of chronic inflammation.
Also good to read:
– Cambodia paving the way for cleaner air
– Easy ways you can improve indoor air quality: Reduce indoor allergens that can trigger respiratory problems and other issues (Harvard Health Publishing)