Of the various hazards, experts site environmental pollution as the major problem. Surveys conducted in rural areas reveal that 90 per cent of female workers suffer from gynaecological diseases. Many people in Ha Noi and HCM City's suburbs also suffer eye problems, sore throats and skin diseases.
Medical experts say using polluted water is a major cause of gynaecological disease.
Water quality in rural areas is extremely low. About two thirds of rural residents are taking water from rivers and lakes and boiling it for daily use. Due to rapid industrialisation, many industrial factories and plants have recently set up in the suburbs. People who work at these factories, as well as those who live near them, suffer from noise and industrial waste. The hundreds of factories in HCM City are now using outdated equipment and are badly in need of repair in addition to pollution caused by industrial production, the use of chemicals and insecticides in agricultural production is also significantly affecting people's health, say experts.