Section B: Case study – (compulsory) [50 MARKS] Refer to the following article and answer the questions that follow: Wright, C.Y., Mathee, A., Kapwata, T. and Street, R., 2024. The impact of rolling blackouts on environmental health in South Africa. Journal of Health and Pollution, 14(1), pp. 1–12. Available at: University of Pretoria Research Repository [Accessed 10 October 2026]. doi:10.1289/JHP1090. Question 2 [10] The article explains that households and businesses increasingly rely on diesel-powered generators and other alternative energy sources during load shedding. Analyse the different forms of pollution associated with these practices, and explain how the pollutants may affect the environment and human health. Support your answer with relevant examples from the South African context. (5 x 2 marks)

Air Pollution:

• Forms and Sources: Diesel generators emit particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen oxides ($\text{NO}_\text{x}$), sulfur dioxide ($\text{SO}_2$), carbon monoxide ($\text{CO}$), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Other alternative sources like burning wood, paraffin, or coal for heating and cooking also release similar pollutants, including black carbon.
• Environmental Impact: These emissions contribute to smog formation, acid rain, and increased greenhouse gas concentrations, exacerbating climate change. For example, $\text{NO}_\text{x}$ and $\text{SO}_2$ can lead to acid deposition, harming vegetation and aquatic ecosystems.
• Human Health Impact: Exposure to PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing respiratory illnesses (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart attacks, strokes), and even premature death. $\text{CO}$ reduces oxygen delivery in the blood, while $\text{NO}_\text{x}$ irritates airways. In South Africa, communities in urban areas and informal settlements, often reliant on these sources, experience higher rates of respiratory illnesses.

Noise Pollution:

• Forms and Sources: Diesel generators produce significant noise levels, especially when operated in residential or commercial areas.
• Environmental Impact: Persistent noise can disturb wildlife, altering their communication, breeding patterns, and migratory routes.
• Human Health Impact: Chronic exposure to high noise levels can lead to stress, sleep disturbances, hypertension, cardiovascular problems, and hearing impairment. In densely populated South African cities, the widespread use of generators during load shedding significantly increases ambient noise levels, affecting residents' quality of life and well-being.

Water Pollution:

• Forms and Sources: Improper handling and disposal of fuel (diesel, paraffin) and lubricants from generators can lead to spills and leaks, contaminating soil and water sources. Ash from burning solid fuels can also be washed into water bodies.
• Environmental Impact: Contamination of groundwater and surface water bodies can harm aquatic ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and make water unsafe for consumption or agricultural use.
• Human Health Impact: Ingestion of water contaminated with hydrocarbons or heavy metals from fuel spills can cause gastrointestinal issues, neurological damage, and long-term health problems, including increased cancer risk. This is particularly concerning in South African informal settlements where access to safe drinking water is already a challenge, and spills can easily enter communal water sources.

Waste Pollution:

• Forms and Sources: The use of generators generates hazardous waste, including used oil, fuel filters, and empty fuel containers. The burning of solid fuels produces ash.
• Environmental Impact: Improper disposal of these wastes can lead to soil contamination, release of toxic substances into the environment, and increased landfill burden. Hazardous waste can leach into soil and water, affecting ecosystems.
• Human Health Impact: Exposure to hazardous waste through direct contact or contaminated soil/water can pose serious health risks, including skin irritations, respiratory problems, and long-term toxic effects. In South Africa, inadequate waste management infrastructure, especially in peri-urban and rural areas, means these wastes are often illegally dumped, creating health hazards for communities.