Natural processes such as veld fires and
human activities such as vehicle use release air pollutants
into the atmosphere. If concentrations of pollutants are too high
then effects are evident in a number of ways - from poor human
health to changes in our earth's climate. In the Eastern Cape,
localised industries and vehicles produce most of the man-made
pollution in developed areas. In rural areas, indoor air pollution
from burning firewood for domestic use poses a threat to human
health, and can impact on our climate. Strategic planning is
essential to ensure that future developments do not result in
air pollution problems.
 |
| Air quality |
Air quality can
be assessed by measuring the levels of air pollutants such
as sulphur dioxide and particulates, and so identify those sources that
are the greatest contributors to existing air pollution problems.
Poor waste management practices can result in poor air quality. Poor air
quality can also reveal where planning has been inappropriate,
such as placing residential areas close to industry, or not
taking into account
cumulative effects. Indicators of air quality in
this report are:
|
| Human health |
Air pollution is one of many factors
that affect human health. Age, occupation, nutrition, location and
economic status can also affect health. Children and the
elderly are generally the most exposed and the most susceptible to
poor air quality. Human health indicators must be viewed in
conjunction with these factors to obtain a realistic picture. The
indicator for
human health is:
|
| Household energy use |
One of the major factors affecting
indoor air quality in communities is the dominant household energy
source. Health of communities, increasing development and the need
for strategic planning are issues that are addressed
by this indicator:
|
| Climate change |
Climate change is a global concern caused by
emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. South Africa is
one of the greatest per capita emitters of greenhouse gases.
Emissions are accounted for at the national level but the effects of
climate change may be apparent at local levels, such as changes in
local patterns of temperature and rainfall. The
selected indicator is:
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