Speaking exclusively with Green Economy Journal, Vis Reddy, Chairman of
SRK Consulting South Africa, discusses air quality offsets and unpacks the
opportunities to improve the wellbeing of the most affected communities.
Apart from mining and industrial activities, what are the other major sources of emissions that contribute to the degradation of air quality in South Africa?
There are several sources of air quality degradation in South Africa, one of which is domestic fuel combustion.
Many homes use coal and wood, which emit pollutants. Vehicle emissions running on traditional fuels also degrade air quality and diesel vehicles such as trucks emit particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. Another source of air quality degradation is natural wind-blown dust from the land. This is exacerbated when a dry season is followed by a windy season, and where farmers are preparing land by loosening the earth to begin planting.
How does air pollution impact public health?
Human activity generates dangerous air pollution, so we have national ambient air quality standards to protect people against poor air quality. In South Africa. air quality is a concern, with pollution including particulate matter such as dust. as well as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, benzene and lead. These pollutants are all known to have negative impacts on human health. This can vary from acute exposure, which involves high levels of these pollutants. to chronic exposure. When it occurs consistently over a long period of time.
Over time. these pollutants build up in the body and can cause lung and breathing issues, and even cancer, as some pollutants are known carcinogens. Pollutants impact lung function and can hinder the ability to breathe - greatly reducing quality of life. Air pollution also affects people over a very wide footprint, as it has the potential to migrate and disperse with the wind.
