Changes in health risk associated with air pollution and policy response effectiveness, Richards Bay, South Africa

Abstract

Research shows that more than 5.5 million people die prematurely every year due to household and outdoor air pollution placing it as the fourth highest-ranking risk factor for mortality globally. In South Africa, air pollution is a key concern in urban areas with high population density, but also in rurl areas where electricity is not the main source of energy. Approximately 10% of total mortalities in 2015 were attributed to respiratory diseases. With this, pollution policy intervention, both national and international, has become not only a necessary but a vital tool for the protection of air quality. The National Ambient Air Quality Standards and Minimum Emission Standards were introduced in 2009 and 2012, respectively. To ascertain the effectiveness of these interventions, this study used the case of Richards Bay, a highly industrialised town, to determine changes in health risk associated with air quality pollution exposure. Twenty years' data of air pollution-related mortality causes between 1997 and 2016 were analysed to determine the changes in trends, ranking and the Years of Life Lost as a result of pollution exposure. Results indicate a slight improvement in air quality and related health benefits. There was a 24% decrease in the Years of Life Lost due to air qualityrelated diseases post 2009. Cases of cerebrovascular diseases, which is the main cause of pollution-related mortality, remains an issue that requires continuous attention. The study concludes that air quality policy and its implementation is working to a reasonable extent. However, the increase in mortality due to certain disease cases such as bronchus and lung cancer could signify that the pollution control efforts need to continue and be enhanced. The increase in acute lower respiratory infections, which adversely affects children, is also of concern.