New air pollution monitoring results suggest that the Engen petrol refinery was responsible for the majority of sulphur dioxide pollution at the Settlers Primary School in Merebank, Durban, last year.
Last month, a study conducted by a group of American and South African medical researchers indicated that the rate of asthma at the school in Lakhimpur Road was among the highest in the world, and that asthma complaints were linked strongly to sulphur dioxide pollution levels.
The interim results of the health study, led by Professor Tom Robins of the University of Michigan, indicate that the prevalence of asthma among Settlers primary children is "strikingly high" in comparison with findings of medical studies in other parts of the world, including inner-city pollution levels in Detroit, Michigan.
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The study notes that, even though air pollution levels at the Settlers school were lower in 2001 when compared with 2000, the current South African air pollution guidelines may not be adequate to protect the health of some people in the area, particularly asthmatics.
According to air pollution measurements by the private-sector Ecoserv pollution monitoring company, there was a significant overall drop in sulphur dioxide pollution in Merebank in comparison with the past several years.
Nevertheless, two recent Ecoserv reports state that sulphur dioxide pollution in Merebank exceeded World Health Organisation guidelines on 124 occasions between November 1, 2000 and October 31, 2001.
The authors of the Ecoserv report make the point that it is very difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of air pollution in a residential area which is surrounded by two petrol refineries, a paper mill, an airport and several other pollution sources, particularly at times when there are swirling winds which do not disperse pollution in a straight-line.
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