The world of work is undergoing major structural transformation driven by demographic shifts, technological advancements, environmental and climate changes, and globalization. Countries in Asia have witnessed drastic increases in levels of air pollution, mainly because of rapidly developing economies. The effect of air pollution on the labour market is one of the least-known dimensions of this global challenge, including effects on current and future workforce, enterprises, and the quality of jobs for women and young people. Policymakers and practitioners from across governments and workers’ and employers’ organizations urgently need the knowledge and capacity to identify evidence-based policy options to minimize pollution impacts and boost the quantity and quality of employment, particularly as they seek pathways to an inclusive and sustainable recovery from COVID-19.
This project seeks to identify policy solutions to mitigate negative impacts of air pollution on labour markets, particularly for women and youth, and to equip a range of stakeholders with knowledge and capacity to improve the quality and quantity of jobs for women and youth in Southeast Asia. It will identify knowledge gaps and solutions and enhance the capacity of a wide range of stakeholders to use evidence toward creating safe and healthy work environments for all in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Project outputs will include a state-of-the-evidence report with policy recommendations and a future research agenda, targeted policy briefs on solutions and innovations, podcasts and blogs to raise awareness, and a series of events to engage stakeholders.
Air pollution and the world of work in Southeast Asia : findings from regional case studies Brief Four independent research projects undertaken by researchers in Cambodia, Vietnam, Lao PDR and Thailand, aimed to improve the state of knowledge on air pollution and workers’ exposures in southeast Asia, focusing on both informal and formal labour in certain occupations. Autor(es) : Slater, Jessica, Archer, Diane, O'Neill, Connie, Vanhuyse, Fedra, Yi-Chen Han, Jenny Lenguaje: Inglés |
Air pollution and workers’ health in Cambodia’s garment sector Brief The findings of this study can inform and enable policymakers in improving occupational air pollution, including addressing air pollution, pollution sources and other related issues in the garment manufacturing sector in Cambodia. Such interventions will help to uphold the health of workers as a human right, ensure safe workplaces, and also be beneficial for the country’s economic growth, as a healthy workforce is more productive. Autor(es) : Chandath, Him, Chhay Por, Ing, Raksmey, Yim, Archer, Diane Lenguaje: Inglés |
Air pollution in Bangkok : addressing unequal exposure and enhancing public understanding of the risks Brief This brief reports the findings of a study that examined the relationship between air-pollution exposure, socio-economic status, and working and living conditions in Bangkok. It provides an overview of the study and highlights six recommendations to address related issues. Autor(es) : Nguyen, Thi Phuoc Lai, Winjikul, Ekbordin, Virdis, Salvatore G.P. Lenguaje: Inglés |
Exposure to barbeque smoke in Vientiane Lao PDR : gendered disparities and unequal exposures for grillers Brief This policy brief summarizes key issues related to unequal exposures to air pollution among grill workers in Vientiane, the capital of Lao PDR. Autor(es) : Sychareun, Vanphanom, Vongxay, Viengnakhone, Thongmixay, Souksamone, Durham, Jo Lenguaje: Inglés |
Inequality of low air quality-related health impacts among socioeconomic groups in the world of work Article This research aimed to assess the perceptions of air quality and health symptoms caused by low urban air quality among vulnerable socio-economic groups in the world of work in Bangkok, Thailand through a questionnaire survey of 400 workers of both formal and informal sectors in the five districts with different socio-economic characteristics and levels of air pollution. The findings showed symmetry between air quality-monitoring data and health symptoms of different socio-economic groups but asymmetry between air quality-monitoring data and people’s perceptions of air quality in their areas. It also showed inequalities of low air quality-related health impacts on socio-economic groups in the world of work. People working near the streets, highways, and industrial zones tended to have more health symptoms related to low air quality, and informal sector workers faced more health risks than formal sector workers. The study appeals for effective air pollution communication to enhance the public and informal sector worker population’s literacy of air pollution, the sources of air pollution and its critical health impacts, and the available and sufficient primary care organizations and community health care centers to address work-related health needs to reach the informal sector worker population. Autor(es) : Nguyen, Thi Phuoc Lai, Virdis, Salvatore G. P., Winjikul, Ekbordin Lenguaje: Inglés |