Poor air quality is commonly known for its contribution to, among others, respiratory and cardiac diseases.
According to the World Health Organisation, poor air quality kills people and it caused an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths in 2016.
World Environment Day was celebrated on June 5, under this year’s theme “Beat Air Pollution”.
The metro being an industrial hub, has deployed 10 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations across Ekurhuleni to identify sources of potential harmful emissions.
Waste is also one of the many contributors to air pollution.
The toxic substances in air contaminated by waste include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane.
With the approaching winter season, residents are encouraged to think twice before burning any rubble as it also directly adds to the pollution.
ALSO READ:
Scams in the metro’s name defraud people out of more than R2-million
Sewage leak causes a stink in Marlands
Where sources of air pollution are identified, the metro dispatches air quality practitioners to the suspected premises to evaluate compliance with the air quality standards.
The standards prescribe the acceptable level of pollutants that cannot be exceeded during a given time in a defined area.
The community can get involved by reporting any air pollution, or odour problems in their area to the following air quality practitioners in their areas for intervention:
• North: Samukelo Shongwe: Samukelo.Futshane@ekurhuleni.gov.za or 011 999 3525.
• South: Edmund van Wyk: Edmund.VanWyk@ekurhuleni.gov.za or 011 999 2470.
• East: Flip Visser: Flip.Visser@ekurhuleni.gov.za or 011 999 8768 or Chris Kapp: Chris.Kapp@ekurhuleni.gov.za or 011 999 8759.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
