Smog Chokes Phnom Penh, Workers Voice Health Fears

Kiripost

Phnom Penh has been shrouded in thick haze over the past week, sparking fresh concerns about the health of outdoor workers in Cambodia’s capital. The smog, driven by dry-season pollution, left many reporting eye irritation and breathing discomfort as the city’s air quality dipped below international safety standards.

Street vendors and small traders, who spend long hours exposed to the elements, say the haze has made daily life harder. Seap Dana, a mobile ice cream seller, described his eyes feeling “sticky” during the worst mornings, while flower vendor Nuon Sonai spoke of burning eyes and nasal irritation. Others, like toy seller Sok Channary, have even changed their working hours to protect their children from the pollution.

Official readings have offered mixed signals. The Ministry of Environment classified air quality as “good”, yet global monitor IQAir rated conditions as “moderate”, with fine particle levels exceeding World Health Organization guidelines. Experts warn that these pollutants—largely from vehicle emissions, industrial activity and widespread burning of agricultural waste—pose serious risks to public health.

Authorities acknowledge the problem. The Environment Ministry has urged local officials to curb forest fires, construction dust and open waste burning. Yet the scale of the challenge is clear: more than 800 forest fires were recorded in just one week last month, with provinces such as Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey among the worst affected.

The issue is not new. Phnom Penh ranked as the world’s second most polluted city in January last year, and UNICEF has repeatedly warned that millions of Cambodian children are especially vulnerable to toxic air. Projections suggest that by 2030, pollution could cause nearly 5,000 premature deaths annually, driven by rapid urbanisation and economic growth.

For now, the haze remains a stark reminder of the human cost of unchecked pollution. As workers continue to endure long days in the smog, the pressure is mounting on authorities to deliver cleaner air—and a healthier future for Cambodia’s capital.

-2026-02-17