Residents living near rubber factories in southern Mon State say they are experiencing health problems because of strong odors from rubber processing plants, which become more intense during the monsoon season.
Mudon Township has at least six large rubber factories and numerous rubber storage facilities. Residents living near the factories say they are exposed to strong rubber odors, particularly at night.
A Mudon resident living near a factory said the odors frequently cause headaches, dizziness, sleeplessness, nausea, and breathing difficulties. Elderly people and children are particularly affected, the resident said.
“The smell is very strong at night. Even when we close the windows, it still gets inside. If you pass the factory area in Kwanta by car, you can feel like vomiting. For people who live there, it’s even worse. There are nights when we cannot sleep, and children cough and have difficulty breathing,” the resident said.
The resident also expressed concern that prolonged exposure to the odors could lead to more serious health problems.
The processing of rubber sheets produces wastewater and foul-smelling substances through chemical reactions involving rubber latex and acids. Residents say improper disposal of the waste has contributed to air pollution and environmental damage.
Residents have repeatedly complained to successive government authorities about the odors. However, they say authorities have mainly conducted inspections without taking effective action against the factories.
“We have complained before, but they only came to inspect the factories. We have not seen any effective action. The smell from the factories seems to be getting worse over time. Local residents are also planning to complain to Mon State lawmakers,” a Mudon resident said.
Southern Mon State is one of Myanmar’s main rubber-producing areas, with extensive rubber plantations operated by both government and private businesses. Residents in towns and villages across the region are regularly exposed to odors from rubber-sheet processing.
Environmental observers say chemicals used in rubber production, inadequate storage of raw rubber materials, and insufficient wastewater treatment are among the main causes of the foul odors.
Residents are calling on rubber factory operators to take immediate measures to reduce the odors, properly treat and dispose of wastewater in accordance with environmental standards, and for relevant environmental and health authorities to conduct regular inspections.
