Air Pollution and the World of Work: Policies, Initiatives and the Current Situation – A Scoping and Evidence Review for Southeast and East Asia.

Abstract

This scoping report synthesizes the authors’ initial work to understand the differentiated impacts of air pollution on workers in East and Southeast Asian countries and to identify evidence-based recommendations from regional case studies to help improve air quality and foster healthy employment in the context of just transitions towards a low-carbon economy.

Applying a data-driven gender lens to air pollution policies in the ASEAN region

“…For example, men are more likely to work in traffic-facing roles such as drivers or traffic police, which involve high pollution exposure, on top of pre-existing exposure to ambient and domestic air pollution. Men in Southeast Asia suffer more years of life lost due to occupational exposures to particulate matter, gases and fumes (Slater et al, 2022). These findings indicate that men, depending on occupational type, are equally, if not more, susceptible to air pollution impacts than women facing domestic exposure -yet this perspective is not well captured in existing literature on gender and air pollution.…”

“…A scoping review by Slater et al (2022) of research papers on air pollution in the world of work in southeast Asia carried out three specific searches of existing literature in the region. The first, a literature search on gender and intersectionality related to air pollution and work, found that research on the impacts of air pollution is framed largely by a medical health and public health perspective, rather than on the lived experiences of exposed groups.…”

“…Research also remains socio-economically focused on the formal sector (Slater et al, 2022). While data disaggregated by sex is commonly available for socio-economic analysis, such as for health conditions and labour, some areas have data gaps.…”

“…A recent scoping review carried out by SEI on existing research on air pollution in the world of work in southeast and east Asia found that the health burden of total air pollution exposure is higher for men than women (Slater et al, 2022), which could reflect higher exposure to air pollutants in workplaces. The same study also found that women and girls were exposed to more household air pollution due to a traditional division of responsibilities.…”

Myanmar’s Environment and Climate Change Challenges: International IDEA Policy Paper No. 27, November 2022

“…Vehicle emission standards should also be applied (such as Euro 4 or above) while fuel sulphur content limits should be introduced that are in line with other South-East Asian countries. (These are currently at 2000 ppm, whereas most countries in South-East Asia limited to 10-50 ppm) (Slater et al 2022). Myanmar could consider leapfrogging.…”