The Impact of Industrial Air Pollution on the Health of Residents of Merebank, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

The Merebank area of Durban, South Africa, is a good example of what can happen when industrial development goes unchecked with nearby residents, usually poor, bearing the tragic social costs of rampant health problems.  Merebank, a South African Indian township of about 50,000 people, may be more aptly described as an island surrounded by a sea of polluting industries.  Merebank is located 16km South of Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, in what is described as the Southern Industrial Basin.  The residents in Merebank show a remarkably high increase of respiratory and dermatological ailments as a result of exposure to industrial pollutants.  The pollution problem experienced in experienced in Merebank and the southern Durban region may be unique in the most industrial nation on the continent.  Its severity seems to be due to a combination of social, political economic factors, topographical and meteorological conditions and environmental legislation and does not  serve to protect all its citizens.  Since some of the citizens involved are from the poorest sectors of the Furban urban area, the problem would also be considered one of environmental equity.  The core of this study deals with a survey conducted in Merebank to determine the perception of residents on the types of pollution they experienced, and the industries that they believe cause the pollution problem.  Respondents were also questioned on their proximity to nearby industries and the types of illnesses/ailments experienced and how often medical treatment was received.  The sresults of the survey indicate that the majority of respondents not only lved in close proximity to industries, but also that most of them receive medical treatment for respiratory and skin ailments and that these treatments were quite frequent.  These results lead the investigators to recommend several redemptive solutions.