A study by the South African Medical Research Council reveals that air pollution from coal-fired power plants contributes to a 6% rise in mortality rates in nearby communities. The research, which analyzed real data, highlights severe health impacts, particularly relating to cardiovascular diseases and increased pneumonia cases in children under five, recommending the closure of these plants in favor of renewable energy.
A recent study conducted by the South African Medical Research Council indicates that air pollution caused by coal-fired power plants results in a 6% increase in annual mortality rates among nearby communities. This significant finding marks the first instance in Africa where actual data, rather than theoretical modeling, was employed to assess the health impacts of air pollution, specifically analyzing death certificates and pneumonia cases in children under five.
The analysis highlights the health ramifications of the 14 major coal-fired power plants in South Africa, which generate over 80% of the nation’s electricity. Given the country’s heavy reliance on coal, it has developed a carbon-intensive economy, leading to elevated health risks for its 63 million residents. The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) emphasized that “Cardiovascular diseases are a major concern” in proximity to these plants, affecting particularly vulnerable populations such as children, who show increased susceptibility to pneumonia.
Previous research has estimated deaths due to pollution from these power plants to exceed 2,000 annually, while internal studies from the utility, Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd., have cited the toll at 330. The pollutants responsible for these fatalities include particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Other health issues linked to coal combustion involve pulmonary diseases and tuberculosis, with notable neonatal complications such as 60% more births of infants with cleft lip and palate anomalies in the vicinity of the facilities.
Led by Caradee Wright, head of the Climate Change and Health Research Programme, the study received funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This funding is part of a broader $9.3 billion climate finance arrangement between South Africa and affluent nations. The researchers advocate for the decommissioning of coal-fired plants in favor of renewable energy alternatives, enhanced public awareness regarding health risks, and improved governmental air quality management.
Currently, South Africa is progressively transitioning from coal-powered energy, yet the timetable for closing these plants remains contentious among politicians. It is noteworthy that the majority of these facilities are situated in the eastern province of Mpumalanga, where coal mining sustains approximately 90,000 jobs.
The study conducted by the South African Medical Research Council unveils critical health risks associated with coal-fired power generation, linking air pollution to a 6% increase in mortality rates in surrounding communities. Addressing these health concerns necessitates a swift transition to renewable energy sources, improved air quality management, and heightened public awareness regarding the dangers of coal pollution. The ongoing debates surrounding power plant closures further emphasize the urgency of implementing effective and sustainable energy solutions.
Original Source: financialpost.com
