Infographic: SA’s toxic level of air pollution poses major health risks

Last week, the Department of Environmental Affairs and a few environmental NGOs briefed the Portfolio Committee of Environmental Affairs on the air pollution situation in South Africa. The focus was specifically on three priority areas that had been identified for their dangerously high levels of air pollution, which have resulted in an increase in respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Eskom’s coal-fired power stations were named by Groundwork - one of the organisations who presented on the terrible air quality in Mpumalanga’s Highveld - as a major source of air pollution in South Africa. Sasol was also identified as a major contributor to air pollution in the Vaal Triangle and Highveld priority areas. Both Sasol and Eskom have asked for postponements and exemptions from new air quality standards that will be implemented next year.

For a more in depth look at the country’s air pollution, and Eskom’s involvement, please have a look at a video put together by Groundwork. To view, click here.