The health benefits of attaining and strengthening air quality standards in Cape Town

Authors

  • S. Keen Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa
  • K. Altieri Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2410-972X/2016/v26n2a9

Keywords:

health impact assessment, air pollution, mortality, BenMAP, Cape Town, PM10, SO2, South African National Standard (SANS) limit, World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline

Abstract

The link between pollution and poor health and mortality has been established globally. Developing countries carry most of the burden of ill health from air pollution, and urban centres like the City of Cape Town even more so. Effective air quality management to protect human health relies on the attainment of air quality standards. This study uses the Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP) along with a locally derived exposure-response function and air quality monitor data to investigate whether the consistent attainment of current or more stringent air quality standards would avoid loss of life. The results show that attaining the PM10 24-hour mean South Africa National Standard limit and the PM10 and SO2 24-hour mean World Health Organisation guidelines in Cape Town reduces levels of pollutants and does reduce excess risk of mortality in Cape Town.

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Published

2016-12-03

How to Cite

Keen, S., & Altieri, K. (2016). The health benefits of attaining and strengthening air quality standards in Cape Town. Clean Air Journal, 26(2), 22–27. https://doi.org/10.17159/2410-972X/2016/v26n2a9

Issue

Section

Research Article