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)

Here's an analysis of the pollution associated with alternative energy sources during load shedding:

1. Air Pollution from Particulate Matter (PM):

   • Source: Diesel and petrol generators, as well as burning wood, coal, or paraffin for heating/cooking, release fine particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10).
   • Environmental Impact: These particles contribute to smog, reduce visibility, and can deposit on surfaces, affecting ecosystems.
   • Human Health Impact: Inhaling PM can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing or exacerbating respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. It also contributes to cardiovascular problems.
   • South African Example: Increased use of generators in urban centers during load shedding leads to elevated PM levels, particularly affecting vulnerable populations in densely populated areas like Soweto or inner-city Johannesburg.

2. Air Pollution from Gaseous Emissions:

   • Source: Combustion from generators and other fossil fuel alternatives releases nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
   • Environmental Impact: NOx and SO2 contribute to acid rain, which damages vegetation, soil, and infrastructure. CO2 is a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change.
   • Human Health Impact: NOx and SO2 irritate the respiratory system. CO is highly toxic, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning (headaches, nausea, death) when inhaled in poorly ventilated spaces. VOCs can be carcinogenic.
   • South African Example: The widespread use of generators in businesses and homes adds to the existing air pollution burden in industrial areas like the Mpumalanga Highveld, and increases the risk of CO poisoning in homes using gas heaters or paraffin stoves indoors.

3. Noise Pollution:

   • Source: The operation of diesel and petrol generators produces significant noise pollution.
   • Environmental Impact: Excessive noise can disturb wildlife, alter animal behavior, and disrupt natural ecosystems, especially in quieter residential or natural areas.
   • Human Health Impact: Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause stress, sleep disturbances, hearing loss, and reduced overall quality of life for residents.
   • South African Example: Residential areas across South Africa experience constant generator noise during load shedding, leading to complaints and health issues among residents, particularly those living close to businesses or neighbors with large generators.

4. Indoor Air Pollution from Domestic Alternatives:

   • Source: Increased reliance on paraffin stoves, gas heaters, and burning wood/coal indoors for cooking and heating during power outages.
   • Environmental Impact: While primarily an indoor issue, some pollutants can escape and contribute to localized outdoor air pollution.
   • Human Health Impact: These practices lead to severe indoor air pollution, causing acute respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and carbon monoxide poisoning, especially in poorly ventilated homes.
   • South African Example: Informal settlements and low-income households, where these alternatives are common, face a higher burden of respiratory illnesses and accidental fires/poisonings linked to indoor air pollution during load shedding.

5. Waste and Fuel Handling Pollution:

   • Source: The storage, use, and disposal of fuels (diesel, petrol, paraffin) and generator maintenance create hazardous waste and potential for spills.
   • Environmental Impact: Improper disposal of used oil, fuel containers, and generator parts can lead to soil and water contamination, harming local ecosystems and water sources. Fuel spills can also contaminate the environment.
   • Human Health Impact: Exposure to toxic chemicals from spills or improper waste handling can pose direct health risks.
   • South African Example: Localized contamination from fuel spills or the dumping of used generator oil in residential areas or informal waste sites is a growing concern, impacting local environmental health.