Air pollution ‘makes hundreds sick’

RESIDENTS in Merebank, the Bluff and Wentworth say they are “struggling to breathe”, allegedly due to fumes being emitted from a kerosene hydrotreater unit (KHU) at the Engen Refinery.

However, the refinery is adamant that there has been no noticeable impact from the emissions.

The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance’s (SDCEA) air pollution officer, Bongani Mthembu, who conducted tests at the affected areas, said the radical gas emissions were investigated and found to be benzene concentrations.

About 50 residents from Beverly Gardens flats on the Bluff have been affected by the emissions, which started three months ago and have filed a complaint with SDCEA.

Dr Devan Kistan Pillay, a family physician and occupational health practitioner from Merebank, has treated a large number of patients who suffered the effects of pollution in the South Durban area over the years.

He said he became concerned after hearing of the number of people affected by the recent radical gas emissions.

Pillay had called a meeting with representatives from the Engen Refinery, SDCEA and community leaders from the Community Engen Trust Centre to look into the emissions and the medical repercussions.

He was told the actual chemical produced by Engen was kerosene (paraffin) and not benzene.

“Kerosene contains 0.02% benzene and is a much ‘cleaner’ chemical. But all chemicals have hazardous side effects and can have short-term and long-term side effects.

“Those who have been affected by air pollution can experience difficulty breathing, eye irritation, coughing and exacerbation of asthma and sinusitis.

“Short-term effects are skin or eye irritation from the exacerbation of asthma sinuses and long-term effects include blood disorders, anaemia or leukaemia (a form of cancer),” he said.

Community leader Percy Chetty, 71, said he, his wife, Lallie, 62, and their son – who was staying with them during the December holidays – all fell ill with the same symptoms since the start of the gas emissions.

“We were coughing, our chests were closing up and we suffered from severe headaches. Our eyes were heavy, with burning and itchy sensations.

“It was a strong smell and when we enquired among the residents in the flats area, which is opposite the refinery, we found more than 50 residents had the same symptoms. We had to close our windows and doors for the smell not to come in, but it didn’t help much.

“We’ve lodged our complaints with the SDCEA and I’ve interviewed most of the residents and taken down their symptoms so we can compile a report and have this issue exposed, before we die from the fumes,” Chetty said.

Rosh Govender, 58, a medically boarded teacher, said she and other members of her family had severe breathing problems and visited the GP on numerous occasions. They were put on various courses of antibiotics, but still felt the same as the emissions continued to affect them.

“I am lucky I can afford the cost of a doctor. Others are not so fortunate and might not survive the air pollution if they do not get the necessary medical help.”

Nagamma Naidoo, 78, said she lived in fear of the air pollution.

“As the older people in the community, we are unable to afford the doctor. We struggle to make ends meet with our social grants as the cost of living is high. The relevant people need to stand up for us. We can die because our bodies cannot handle the pollution,” Naidoo said.

Pillay advised that when residents felt symptoms from the pollution, they should report it to health practitioners, who would take this up with Engen.

“Pollution in the air due to chemicals and toxic gases can exacerbate flu symptoms and respiratory or skin conditions.

“The numbers are quite high. However we have seen a reduction since the refinery stopped production on December 4, 2020. We will continue to monitor the situation,” Pillay added.

He advised that residents who were impacted by the emissions, should keep the doors and windows closed, rinse their eyes and skin with water for eye and skin irritation, and lie down in a dimly lit room for migraines and nausea.

Pillay also urged those with tight chests to keep nebulisers on hand.

“It’s imperative for all parties to find common ground. The communities of Wentworth and Merebank are employed at Engen for which they are extremely grateful. However, this work must be carried out in the safest possible environment for the workers and the community at large.

“I am willing to work with Engen and the community representative to call for open and transparent dialogue to address matters of concern that affect the community.

“If air samples are assessed regularly, and openly available to the community for scrutiny, I am sure we can find common ground,” Pillay said.