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CSIR study finds annual standards for air pollutants in the Vaal Triangle exceeded

Project Status: 
Completed

The CSIR, on behalf of the Department of Environmental Affairs, conducted a health study in the Vaal Triangle Air-shed Priority Area to determine if air pollution levels exceed South African air pollution standards.

Areas within the Vaal Triangle Air-shed Priority Area include the local municipalities of Emfuleni Midvaal in Gauteng Province, the administrative regions of Doornkop and Soweto, Diepkloof and Meadowlands and Ennerdale and Orange Farm within the City of Johannesburg, and the Metsimaholo Municipality in the Free State.

Four monitoring stations in the area collected data from 2013 to 2015. The stations measured the outdoor concentrations of air pollutants, specifically nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter on a real-time basis.

The measured ambient pollutant concentrations showed that the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter exceeded the standards in some areas. The South African annual standard for nitrogen dioxide is 21 parts per billion and for particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or smaller, 40 micrograms per cubic metre. The outcomes revealed that, in 2013, the annual average nitrogen dioxide levels were exceeded in the Zamdela area (over 23 parts per billion), Diepkloof (over 37 parts per billion) and Kliprivier (over 21 parts per billion). Annual average particulate matter levels in Kliprivier, Sebokeng, Three Rivers, Sharpeville and Zamdela were all above 45 micrograms per cubic metre. Sulphur dioxide did not exceed the South African annual standards.

The sources of air pollution in the Vaal Triangle are coal mines, industries, power stations and vehicles. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter may lead to an increase in all-cause mortality, a decline in lung function, an increase in susceptibility to respiratory illnesses, stroke and heart conditions.

Partners

Department of Environmental Affairs South African Medical Research Council University of KwaZulu-Natal Nova institute

Funding

Department of Environmental Affairs

Contact Person

Juanette John

Key Concept

Particulate matter
Particulate matter is the sum of all solid and liquid particles suspended in the air, many of which are hazardous. This complex mixture includes both organic and inorganic particles, such as dust, pollen, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets.

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