The Richards Bay Clean Air Association (RBCAA) operates and maintains a comprehensive real-time ambient air quality monitoring network across the uMhlathuze region, providing independent data and expert analysis to support environmental management and compliance with national standards.

Why air pollution is a big deal

Air pollution continues to be the second leading risk factor for early death, surpassed only by high blood pressure.

7.9 million deaths were attributed to air pollution in 2023 (State of Global Air Report). Of this total, 4.9 million deaths were attributable to ambient PM2.5 exposure. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the pollutant that causes the largest health impacts globally, contributing to millions of deaths each year.

How air pollution affects health

When you breathe polluted air, the pollution passes through your lungs into your bloodstream. From there it can reach your heart, brain and other organs, and can cause inflammation in your lungs and other body parts.

Air pollution does not affect everyone equally. People living in poorer regions suffer a higher disease burden, and most deaths occur in young children and older adults.

What the RBCAA 2025 Annual Report says about PM2.5 within uMhlathuze

During 2025, the RBCAA measured thirty-five (35) exceedances of the South African daily standard of 40 µg/m³ across the network. This standard allows for a permissible four (4) exceedances per site in a year. In 2025, these were exceeded at Brackenham eighteen (18), Felixton six (6) and Scorpio eight (8).

The RBCAA also measures against the World Health Organisation’s daily guideline of 15 µg/m³. During 2025, the RBCAA measured four-hundred-and-seventy-nine (479) exceedances of the WHO guideline across the network.

Our mission

To deliver accurate, transparent and accessible air quality information — enabling informed decision making regarding public health and the environment.

Report air quality issues to the RBCAA: sandy@rbcaa.org.za | 035 786 0076 | 083 515 2384