Black dust is more than a mere irritation

Ten months ago, we wrote on the dust issue that was escalating in the Alton area as more and more port-bound trucks began entering the City of uMhlathuze.

At that stage, the problems related primarily to traffic congestion and the damage being done to roads, pavements and other infrastructure.

Spillage of oil and diesel were also noted as concerns, as was the increasing number of accidents involving heavy duty trucks.

The dust being generated from uncovered truckloads of coal and other products, spilled from trucks, plus the exposed stockpiles of product angered business owners in Alton, who not only struggled to keep offices clean but also feared for contamination of their own products on site.

The dangers have hardly been addressed, and the warning temperature has risen from orange to red.

It’s now the windy season, and the black dust is being spread far and wide, affecting not only the industrial area, but also the suburbs of Richards Bay.

Black soot now settles everywhere, and homeowners are subjected to layers of dirt, soot and grime both indoors and outdoors.

From roof level to gardens, to the bottom of swimming pools, the ubiquitous dust is demanding cleaning be done three or four times a day to make homes properly habitable.

But the inconvenience is nothing compared to the possible health impacts.

An impact survey initiated by Ward Councillor Henning de Wet in conjunction with the Richards Bay Clean Air Association has revealed the actual physical effect on residents, as well as their fears that they could be heading for serious chronic – perhaps even fatal – health consequences.

Not only are the dust particles small enough to enter and irritate the lungs, some products that are being blown around and inhaled are corrosive, and some have been proven to have metal content.

One shudders to think of the long-term effect on residents, especially those with respiratory problems; not to mention the young whose lungs are still developing.

A few things need to happen, some as a matter of urgency:

All trucks entering the city must be covered with tarpaulins, so too must product stockpiles either be covered or dampened down – and it stands to reason that all illegal stockpiling must cease.

A proper health study needs to be undertaken. This is a long overdue need in a city that has a history of air pollution and gas leaks.

The medical profession also needs to add their voices.

While patients are privately being told that their asthma, sinus problems, lethargy, coughing, sneezing, itching, eye and throat irritations, and the many other complaints listed by over 250 residents on the survey are due to the exacerbated air pollution, doctors and specialists should provide the necessary documentation required for a scientific health study to be conducted.

At the moment, there is no consequence; but while the residents have hitherto suffered in silence, this will no longer be the case.

Where are the authorities in all of this? There are government departments whose job it is to ensure our right to clean air, and to monitor and take action with regard to the state of the environment.