RESIDENTS living in the vicinity of Seaview have raised health and safety concerns after a strong, unusual odour suspected to be burnt sulphur spread through the area on Tuesday afternoon (March 31).

It is alleged that three days ago a truck offloaded a full load of what appeared to be sulphur-based chemicals on Umhlatuzana Road. Subsequently, a smoke appeared which affected nearby residents.

Also read: Air pollution test confirms high levels of benzene in Merebank

Some residents have complained of chest pains and breathing difficulties after inhaling the air, raising further concerns about possible chemical exposure in the area.

Clayton Duranty from Security Force said their teams received calls from frantic members of the public complaining about a strong, choking smell.

He said upon arrival they noticed a thick smoke emanating from a sulphur dumping site.

A resident, Kerushka Pillay, said the situation is already deteriorating as surrounding vegetation is dying.

“There is a strong likelihood of contamination spreading through the water system. I am particularly concerned as my mother, who is already ill, resides nearby and may be exposed to harmful effects,” said Pillay.

She believes that the ongoing illegal dumping of toxic chemicals constitutes a clear violation of South African environmental legislation, including but not limited to:

• The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act No. 107 of 1998), which imposes a duty of care to prevent pollution and environmental degradation.
• The National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act No. 59 of 2008), which strictly prohibits the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste.

“The material was dumped directly alongside a watercourse, posing a significant environmental and public health risk. The situation is already visibly deteriorating, surrounding vegetation is dying, and there is a strong likelihood of contamination spreading through the water system” she said.

Environmental activist at the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) Desmond D’sa warned exposure to sulphur dioxide gas is dangerous.

“When a person is exposed to sulphur dioxide gas, the respiratory organs can be severely affected, causing wheezing, coughing and in some cases vomiting. I have reported the incident to the health officials on Tuesday. They promised to launch an investigation,” said D’sa.

Also read: South Durban residents urged to report air pollution concerns

According to the South African Government News Agency, exposure to hydrogen sulphide may irritate the eyes and respiratory system.

Other possible health effects include:

• Dizziness,
• Headaches, nausea and stomach upset,
• Weakness, irritability, and breathing difficulties.

In severe cases, high exposure may lead to convulsions, loss of consciousness, or respiratory complications.

Chairperson of the Montwood Ratepayers Association, Mandy Edwards, said the material is being dumped on Umhlatuzana and Seaward Road in Clairwood.

“We are not sure if someone is setting this material alight, or if it is self-igniting but this has happened about three times over the last few weeks, the fumes affect one’s breathing, causes eyes, nose and throats to burn. This is the second time today that we have had to close the road down and call fire department to come and extinguish the smoke. I have advised the community to keep doors and windows closed. I personally have been battling to breathe,” said Edwards.

Umhlatuzana Road was closed to traffic in the afternoon while emergency services worked frantically to contain the smoke.

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