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Faizel Patel – 19/02/2021
An environmental science professor at the University of the North West says the sulphur smell that has been hanging in the air has been exacerbated by the changing in the wind direction.
Professor Roelof Burger was speaking to Radio Islam on Friday about the stench that has been hanging in the air for more than a week now.
On Wednesday, the South African Weather Service issued a warning was that the pollution could put vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, at risk.
Professor Burger says a very uncharacteristic strain of events which has led to a change in wind direction from the normal pattern, is causing the pollution in the air.
“Normally this time of year the winds will blow over the east coast and all the pollution of the Highveld will be blown out all the way to Australia. But now, for the last week because of this low pressure, we a get a flow that’s in the in opposite direction and we basically downwind of all the industries on the Highveld and the Vaal.”
Professor Burger says the stench is not of a huge concern adding that people can visit the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS) or download the SAAQIS App to monitor the air pollution sites across the country.
“If you see these, you’ll see although there is a slight elevation of pollution in the city, it’s not close to being that bad for your health at the moment. This is normally the cleanest time of the year. Our noses are very sensitive and likely because it’s been so clean because of all the rain and COVID has seen a drop on emissions.”
Professor Burger says air pollution is a huge problem for South Africa and is estimated to cost the economy about three to four percent of the GDP.
Listen to the interview with Professor Roelof Burger
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