By Trevor Brewer
The particulate matter in South Africa’s air is regularly higher than the global national standards1. Air pollution is estimated to cause the premature deaths of over 20,000 South Africans every year, with children and vulnerable groups disproportionately affected2.
South African children living in heavily polluted areas – whether due to smog from open fires and paraffin cookers often used in informal settlements, dust and veld fires, damp and humidity, or the traffic fumes in built-up areas – are particularly vulnerable to respiratory issues and other health complications due to poor air quality. Moreover, the impact of air pollution on in-utero and newborn babies cannot be understated. Exposure to polluted air during pregnancy can lead to stunted foetal development and other long-term health issues.
Despite this, the needs and perspectives of South Africa’s most vulnerable groups remain largely absent from our climate policies, action, and investment at all levels. The challenge is two-fold: to build resilience in adapting to climate change; and to mitigate climate change by transitioning away from its fossil fuel-intensive growth path. The Just Transition Framework (JTF) seeks to address both challenges through ensuring that workers and communities are not unduly compromised by the national transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy and society. However, analysts feel that the JTF falls short of when it comes to positioning itself as a national policy statement and guiding change through its mandates3.
The reality is that exposure to these harmful pollutants and particles can result in respiratory illnesses such as asthma, increased susceptibility to acute respiratory infections, cancer, heart and lung diseases. It’s time for both the public and private sectors, as well as educational institutions, to step up and do more.
Around 86% of our primary energy supply is from coal, and much of the particulate matter that we breathe in is caused in the process of generating coal-fired electricity. In addition, the coalfields that produce most of the coal needed by Eskom are the second-worst sulphur dioxide pollution hotspot in the world. Other rampant sources of pollution include industrial processes, waste disposal, transportation, biomass burning, landfill sites, wastewater treatment, and agriculture.
And if you think that that these pollutants remain outdoors or in industrial areas, think again. Inevitably, pollutants find their way indoors… even into our homes. Furthermore, other indoor pollutants such as asbestos products, burning of wood or paraffin, pesticides, and cleaning products all contribute to poor air quality, while damp caused by inadequate ventilation, rain, leaks or the humid coastal climate can also lead to the presence of toxic airborne mould spores and allergies in our homes.
Fortunately, individuals can protect themselves and their families indoors by investing in a quality air purifier – and many are not aware that the industrial-grade air purifiers found in hospitals and other public facilities are available in smaller sizes for at-home use. Just be sure to look for an air purifier that utilises a multi-filtration system, including HEPA filters, which are capable of trapping particles like dust, pollen and mould spores as small as 0.1 microns, and activated carbon/charcoal filters, to remove contaminants and gaseous pollution such as sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), smoke, smog and unpleasant smells from the air.
In the context of Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month, it’s crucial to recognise the importance of clean air for our health and wellbeing. By taking proactive steps to address air pollution, both indoors and outdoors, we can create a safer and healthier environment for current and future generations.
Trevor Brewer is Director at air treatment specialists, Solenco