Impact of Coal Pollution: Study Reveals 6% Increase in Death Rates in South Africa

Air pollution from South African coal-fired power plants increases community death rates by 6%, according to the South African Medical Research Council. The study highlighted the health impacts on children and emphasized the need for a transition to renewable energy sources. It critiques the current pace of coal plant closures and advocates for improved air quality management.

A recent study by the South African Medical Research Council reveals that air pollution from coal-fired power plants increases the annual death rate by 6% in nearby communities. This study represents the first analysis in Africa to utilize actual data, examining death certificates, pneumonia cases in children under five, and air-quality reports.

The research focuses on the health effects associated with South Africa’s 14 large coal-fired power plants, which generate over 80% of the country’s electricity. South Africa, with a population of 63 million, has the highest carbon-intensive economy among nations exceeding four million individuals.

“Cardiovascular diseases are a major concern” in municipalities near the coal power plants, as noted by SAMRC. The study highlights children under five as particularly susceptible, experiencing a noted increase in pneumonia cases. Previous assessments estimated pollution-related deaths at over 2,000 annually, contrasting sharply with the state utility Eskom’s claim of 330 deaths.

Research led by Caradee Wright, who heads the Climate Change and Health Research Programme, also indicates that air pollution contributes to respiratory diseases and tuberculosis. Furthermore, data analysis revealed that around 60% more infants born in regions close to power plants exhibited cleft lips and palates.

The researchers advise phasing out coal-fired plants in favor of renewable energy sources, increasing health risk awareness, and enhancing government air quality management. Despite progress in transitioning from coal, the speed of these closures remains a contentious issue, particularly in Mpumalanga, an area heavily reliant on coal mining for approximately 90,000 jobs.

The study underscores the severe health ramifications of air pollution from coal-fired power plants in South Africa, notably increasing the death rate and contributing to childhood diseases. The findings emphasize the urgent need for a transition to cleaner energy sources, enhanced awareness of health concerns, and improved air quality management. Given South Africa’s reliance on coal, addressing these issues is critical in safeguarding public health while managing the socio-economic implications of energy production.

Original Source: financialpost.com