Brown Haze II Study-Press Release

Scientists will study brown haze pollution over Cape Town

The unsightly brown haze caused by air pollution, which hovers over Cape Town mainly during the winter months, will be the focus of an intensive R1,6 million scientific study - the Brown Haze Project.  During July and August 2003 the hazy days over the region will be analysed by the Climatology Research Group (CRG) from the University of the Witwatersrand, working in collaboration with the City of Cape Town and the South African Weather Service. There will also be participation in the project by University of Cape Town and Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education.

The R1.6m project, headed by Dr Stuart Piketh has been partially funded by the City of Cape Town, the Petroleum Industry (BP, Caltex, Engen and Shell), University of the Witwatersrand and THRIP (a government matching grant fund).

Air pollution has harmful effects on both human health and the environment. It is caused by, amongst others, the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, heavy fuel oil, diesel and petrol for industrial and transportation purposes and wood for household purposes. Current monitoring data shows that air quality is deteriorating and this trend could accelerate if corrective action is not taken.

Despite the Cape metropolitan area's generally high potential for air pollution dispersion - the cleansing effects of the summer South-Easter or 'Cape Doctor' are well known - a combination of local topography and climate cause the city to be susceptible to air pollution during autumn and winter inversions when air pollution is trapped close to the ground. These early morning inversions often coincide with morning peak traffic conditions, causing visible levels of air pollution in the form of a white or brown haze.

The analysis will be undertaken at ground level, with the assistance of local Grade 10 and 11 learners and also in the air, using a fully equipped research aircraft [Aerocommander 690A ], operated by the South African Weather Service. Coupled with satellite observations over the region, the CRG aims to accurately characterise the physical and chemical nature of brown haze fine particles and clouds, including quantifying the concentrations, both laterally and vertically. The potential health effects will also be examined, especially in the disadvantaged residential areas, as these areas were not previously included. The Potchefstroom University will perform volatile organic compound (VOC’s) analysis, an important ingredient of photochemical smog, at ground level monitoring stations as well as supplementing VOC monitoring on the aircraft.

Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Health, Amenities and Sport,  Cllr Nomsa Mlanjeni, said: " High levels of air pollution are experienced from time to time over Cape Town. Council is especially concerned about the poor air quality in informal areas and welcomes the Brown Haze study. We anxiously await the outcome of this sophisticated study to learn more about the complexities of the Brown Haze and what actions can be taken to reduce it.  We, as decision-makers, will use the results of the study to make informed decisions with respect to air quality management and planning".

Some other benefits of the project are:

 Capacity Building: Partnerships between Government and tertiary institutions in developing and sustaining local capacity for resolving environmental problems, rather than importing expensive international consultants. Hundreds of Grade 10 and 11 learners from the region will actively participate and interact with the scientists. This will take science out of the textbook, make it a reality and encourage them to pursue a career in science.

Basis for Rational Planning: Quantitative, rationally designed measurements and evaluation of pollution phenomena can be used by both Government and industry as a basis for policy-making, regulation and mitigation. Local industries have been approached to participate in the study.

Media enquiries : Dr Martin van Nierop, Project Co-ordinator, University of the Witwatersrand, cell 083 395 2923