Cambodia Air Quality 2025: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Outlook
Cambodia stands at a critical environmental crossroads in 2025. While the nation continues its impressive economic development trajectory, the quality of its air has emerged as a significant concern for policymakers, health professionals, and citizens alike. Air quality is not merely an environmental issue but a fundamental determinant of public health outcomes, ecosystem sustainability, and sustainable economic growth.
The air Cambodians breathe today reflects a complex interplay of rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, traditional practices, and evolving regulatory frameworks. This comprehensive analysis examines Cambodia’s current air quality data, identifies the primary pollution sources, assesses consequent health impacts, evaluates government actions, and projects future scenarios for this vital environmental indicator.
Current Air Quality Status in Cambodia
Recent monitoring data presents a mixed picture of Cambodia’s air quality in 2025. According to the Ministry of Environment’s regular assessments, major urban centers like Phnom Penh have experienced fluctuating Air Quality Index (AQI) readings, generally falling within the “good” to “moderate” range. Particularly encouraging reports in early 2025 showed several consecutive days of “very good” air quality in the capital, a positive indicator of periodic improvement in atmospheric conditions.
Real-time monitoring data from across Cambodia reveals varying concentrations of major pollutants:
| Pollutant | Typical Urban Concentration Range | WHO Guideline | Health Impact Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 | 15-35 μg/m³ | 5 μg/m³ (annual) | >25 μg/m³: Increased respiratory symptoms |
| PM10 | 30-60 μg/m³ | 15 μg/m³ (annual) | >50 μg/m³: Aggravated asthma |
| Carbon Monoxide (CO) | 0.5-4 ppm | 9 ppm (8-hour) | >9 ppm: Reduced oxygen delivery |
| Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) | 10-30 ppb | 10 ppb (annual) | >50 ppb: Increased respiratory infections |
| Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) | 0-15 ppb | 40 ppb (24-hour) | >75 ppb: Respiratory irritation |
| Ozone (O₃) | 20-60 ppb | 60 ppb (8-hour) | >70 ppb: Decreased lung function |
When compared to World Health Organization air quality guidelines, Cambodia’s air quality remains challenging. While Cambodia’s air quality compares favorably to some regional neighbors, it continues to fall short of international standards for optimal health protection.
Seasonal variations significantly impact air quality measurements. The dry season (November-April) typically brings deteriorated air quality, with PM2.5 concentrations in Phnom Penh occasionally exceeding 50 μg/m³ a level considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” CEIC data tracking reveals concerning PM2.5 spikes in the capital during these months, influenced by factors including reduced rainfall, increased agricultural burning, and unfavorable atmospheric dispersion conditions.
Main Sources of Air Pollution in Cambodia
Cambodia’s air pollution emanates from diverse sources, reflecting its developing economy and transitional energy practices:
Industrial Activities
The manufacturing sector, particularly garment factories that power Cambodia’s export economy, contributes significantly to air pollution through coal-fired boilers and generators. Traditional brick kilns operating throughout peri-urban areas utilize low-quality fuels, including used tires and wood, releasing harmful pollutants. Rice milling operations and rubber processing facilities further add industrial emissions, especially in rural production centers where environmental controls remain limited.
Transportation
The transportation sector has emerged as a primary pollution source as vehicle ownership expands rapidly. Cambodia’s vehicle fleet characterized by aging imports with limited emission controls contributes substantial nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. Traffic congestion in Phnom Penh and growing secondary cities like Siem Reap and Battambang intensifies these emissions, especially during peak hours.
Construction and Urban Development
Cambodia’s construction boom continues unabated in 2025, with development projects transforming urban landscapes across the country. Construction activities generate significant dust and particulate matter from excavation, material handling, and demolition. Cement production facilities supporting this growth represent additional point sources of air pollution, with facilities around Kampot province particularly notable contributors.
Household and Agricultural Practices
Approximately 40% of Cambodian households still rely on biomass for cooking, with firewood and charcoal burning releasing particulate matter directly into residential areas. Open waste burning remains common in both rural and urban settings where waste collection systems are inadequate. During agricultural seasons, field burning practices release smoke that can travel significant distances, affecting air quality beyond immediate rural areas.
| Pollution Source | Estimated Contribution to Urban PM2.5 | Key Pollutants | Geographic Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Emissions | 30-35% | NOx, PM2.5, VOCs | Major urban centers |
| Industrial Activities | 20-25% | SO2, PM2.5, NOx | Industrial zones, urban periphery |
| Construction Dust | 15-20% | PM10, PM2.5 | Urban development areas |
| Household Burning | 10-15% | PM2.5, CO, VOCs | Residential zones, rural areas |
| Waste Burning | 5-10% | PM2.5, dioxins, furans | Urban periphery, rural areas |
| Transboundary | 5-15% (seasonal) | PM2.5, ozone | Nationwide, varies by season |
Transboundary Pollution
Cambodia also experiences pollution from neighboring countries, particularly during Southeast Asia’s burning season when agricultural and forest fires in the region contribute to a regional haze phenomenon. This transboundary challenge requires coordination beyond Cambodia’s borders for effective management.
Health Impacts of Air Pollution
The health consequences of Cambodia’s air quality challenges are becoming increasingly apparent in public health data and medical facility reports:
Respiratory diseases show strong correlation with pollution levels, with hospital admissions for asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions increasing during pollution events. Children in high-pollution areas demonstrate decreased lung function compared to those in cleaner environments, raising concerns about long-term developmental impacts.
According to research from the World Health Organization, long-term exposure to current PM2.5 levels in Cambodia’s urban centers potentially reduces life expectancy by 1-2 years through increased risk of:
- Respiratory diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma exacerbations)
- Cardiovascular conditions (heart attacks, strokes, hypertension)
- Certain cancers, particularly lung cancer
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes
- Impaired cognitive development in children
Vulnerable populations bear disproportionate health risks. Children, particularly those under five, show heightened susceptibility to pollution-related respiratory infections. Elderly citizens with pre-existing conditions experience exacerbated symptoms during poor air quality periods. Urban poor communities living near industrial zones or major roadways face continuous exposure to elevated pollution levels.
The economic burden of these health impacts is substantial, with preliminary research suggesting healthcare costs associated with air pollution may exceed 2% of Cambodia’s GDP when accounting for treatment expenses and productivity losses.
| Population Group | Primary Health Risks | Protective Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Children under 5 | Respiratory infections, asthma development, reduced lung development | Limit outdoor activity during high pollution, air purifiers in schools |
| Elderly | Exacerbation of existing cardiovascular/respiratory conditions | Monitor AQI, limit exposure, seek medical care promptly |
| Pregnant women | Low birth weight, premature birth, long-term child health impacts | Prenatal monitoring, reduced outdoor activity during pollution events |
| Outdoor workers | Direct exposure to pollutants, heat stress combined with pollution | Respiratory protection, scheduled breaks, employer policies |
| Asthmatics | Acute attacks, medication needs increase | Personalized action plans, preventive medication |
Public health awareness regarding these connections has grown significantly since 2023, with urban residents increasingly seeking air quality information and taking protective measures during pollution events. Popular mobile applications providing real-time AQI readings have seen download numbers increase by over 300% since early 2024, indicating growing public concern.
Government Monitoring and Air Quality Management
Cambodia’s government has expanded its air quality management infrastructure substantially in recent years, though challenges persist in monitoring coverage and data consistency:
Cambodia’s ambient air quality standards, established under the National Environmental Protection Law, set limits for major pollutants including PM2.5 (annual mean of 25 μg/m³), PM10 (50 μg/m³), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide. While these represent progress, they remain less stringent than WHO guidelines for example, permitting PM2.5 levels five times higher than the WHO’s recommended 5 μg/m³.
The Ministry of Environment has significantly expanded monitoring capabilities, deploying 60 mobile air quality monitoring units nationwide. These stations provide hourly readings of major pollutants, with data centralized through a national air quality management system. Phnom Penh now features multiple monitoring locations, allowing more detailed spatial analysis of urban pollution patterns.
| Monitoring Capability | 2020 | 2025 | Future Target (2030) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed monitoring stations | 5 | 18 | 30 |
| Mobile monitoring units | 12 | 60 | 100 |
| Cities with continuous monitoring | 3 | 12 | 25 |
| Pollutants measured regularly | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Public data accessibility | Limited | Real-time online | Enhanced forecasting |
The government’s public communication about air quality has evolved toward greater transparency, with regular updates provided through official channels and partnership with private monitoring networks. However, some environmental advocates have noted instances where official measurements diverge from independent readings, particularly during severe pollution episodes.
Challenges remain in aligning Cambodia’s monitoring methods and standards with international protocols. Technical capacity limitations, maintenance requirements for sensitive equipment, and gaps in rural coverage present ongoing obstacles to comprehensive air quality assessment.
Policies and Initiatives to Improve Air Quality
The Cambodian government has implemented several policy measures and initiatives aimed at addressing air pollution:
The Clean Air Plan of Cambodia, established in partnership with international organizations, outlines a roadmap for improving air quality through coordinated interventions across sectors. Key components include emission standards for new industrial facilities, phased implementation of cleaner fuel requirements, and strengthened enforcement mechanisms.
| Policy Measure | Implementation Status | Expected Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial emission standards | Partially implemented | 15-20% reduction in industrial emissions | Full compliance by 2027 |
| Vehicle emission testing | Implemented in major cities | 10-15% reduction in vehicle emissions | Nationwide by 2026 |
| Clean cooking initiative | Pilot phase | Reduced household PM2.5 by 30-50% in target areas | Scale-up 2025-2028 |
| Open burning regulations | Early enforcement stage | Potentially high impact but enforcement challenging | Gradual implementation through 2027 |
| Fuel quality standards | Upgraded standards adopted | Moderate reduction in sulfur emissions | Full implementation by 2026 |
| Green urban planning | Policy adopted, initial projects underway | Long-term structural improvement | Ongoing through 2030 |
Industrial pollution control measures now require environmental impact assessments for new facilities and retrofitting requirements for existing operations. The Ministry of Industry has established a compliance timeline requiring major emitters to install continuous emission monitoring systems by the end of 2025.
In the transportation sector, vehicle emission testing programs have been implemented in major urban centers, though enforcement remains inconsistent. Import restrictions on the oldest and most polluting vehicles have been tightened, and tax incentives for hybrid and electric vehicles introduced, though adoption remains limited by infrastructure constraints.
Urban planning initiatives increasingly incorporate air quality considerations, with new requirements for green spaces in development projects and improved public transportation planning. Phnom Penh’s ambitious public transportation expansion aims to reduce private vehicle dependence in the city center.
Waste management improvements include expanded collection services and gradual implementation of open burning bans, supported by community education programs. Several pilot projects for sustainable waste management have demonstrated promising results in reducing this pollution source.
Regional cooperation through ASEAN environmental frameworks has strengthened, with Cambodia actively participating in transboundary haze prevention initiatives and information sharing networks. These international partnerships provide technical assistance and capacity building support for Cambodia’s environmental management systems.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
Cambodia’s air quality trajectory faces competing influences of continued economic development against improving environmental management capacity:
Expected trends suggest moderate improvement in some urban areas as industrial emissions controls and cleaner transportation options gradually expand. However, without accelerated intervention, overall air quality challenges will likely persist as development and population growth continue. Rural areas may see deteriorating air quality as industrialization extends beyond current urban centers.
For substantial progress, enhanced monitoring must extend beyond major cities to create a truly national understanding of air quality patterns. Regulatory frameworks require not just strengthened standards but consistent enforcement mechanisms with appropriate penalties for non-compliance.
| Recommendation | Primary Responsibility | Resource Requirements | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expand monitoring network to secondary cities | Ministry of Environment | Moderate investment | Improved data for targeted interventions |
| Align national standards with WHO guidelines | Government legislature | Political commitment | Framework for meaningful progress |
| Strengthen industrial compliance enforcement | Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Environment | Training, institutional capacity | Significant emission reductions |
| Accelerate clean cooking transition | Ministry of Rural Development | Substantial program funding | Major health benefits, reduced PM2.5 |
| Invest in public transportation infrastructure | Ministry of Public Works and Transport | Major capital investment | Long-term structural solution for urban pollution |
| Develop air pollution health alert system | Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment | Moderate technical investment | Immediate health protection for vulnerable groups |
| Enhance regional cooperation on transboundary pollution | Ministry of Environment, Foreign Affairs | Diplomatic engagement | Addresses external pollution sources |
Technological solutions present significant opportunities, particularly in industrial energy efficiency, clean cooking technologies, and waste-to-energy systems adapted to Cambodia’s specific context. International climate finance mechanisms could potentially support accelerated adoption of these cleaner technologies.
The path forward requires integrating air quality considerations into broader development planning, ensuring economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental health. This approach necessitates cross-ministerial coordination rather than isolating air quality as solely an environmental concern.
Conclusion
Cambodia stands at an important juncture in its air quality management journey in 2025. While the challenges remain substantial with pollution levels exceeding health-protective thresholds and continued pressure from development activities encouraging signs have emerged through strengthened monitoring systems, initial policy frameworks, and growing public awareness.
The nation’s commitment to balancing development with environmental protection will be tested in coming years, as decisions made now will shape air quality outcomes for generations. With continued focus on evidence-based policies, technological adoption, and regional cooperation, Cambodia has the opportunity to demonstrate that developing economies can pursue cleaner growth pathways.
For Cambodia’s citizens, the question of air quality transcends environmental policy to become fundamentally about quality of life, health security, and sustainable prosperity. As awareness grows and demands for cleaner air strengthen, the political will to implement meaningful reforms will be a critical determinant of success in addressing this essential aspect of environmental health.
