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The document assesses air quality in 16 Cambodian garment factories, finding that while many meet national standards, some exceed WHO guidelines, particularly those using wood fuel. It highlights a significant gap in worker awareness, where most associate air pollution with temperature rather than chemical or particulate pollutants, despite reporting symptoms like coughing and headaches. The brief emphasizes the gendered nature of the sector, noting that 80% of the workforce are women, and calls for gender-responsive health and safety policies, especially for pregnant workers.

The report finds that the Bargny-Sendou area already suffers from severe air pollution, with PM10 levels exceeding national standards by 193% to 540% before the full operation of new industrial projects. It argues that the cumulative impact of the coal plant, mineral port, and steel plant will exacerbate health risks and degrade local resources, including the livelihoods of 1,000 women processing fish at the Khelcom site. The study recommends a strategic environmental assessment of the zone and the conversion of the coal plant to gas.