Survey of the respiratory health status of 10-year-old children exposed to air pollution in the Vaal Triangle priority area

Abstract

Industrial development in the Vaal Triangle began as early as 1877 when coal reserves were discovered. Currently, the area houses several sources of air pollution, including heavy industries, refineries, and a power station, motor vehicles as well as households still utilising coal as an energy carrier. Therefore, the perception that air quality in the area is poor and that people’s health is adversely affected has existed since the beginning of the nineties. Studies conducted in the Vaal Triangle have found a relatively high prevalence of upper and lower respiratory diseases, especially in children. The sources of air pollution in the Vaal Triangle, together with the potential for exceedances of air quality guidelines, led to the area being declared as an Airshed Priority Area on 21 April 2006 by the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. This declaration implies that the area will be closely monitored as far as air pollution is concerned.