City of Cape Town

 

Indicator

Annual Particulate Matter (PM10) Exceedances

Description

The number of days in a year that the particulate matter exceeds the United Kingdom 24-hourly running mean particulate matter (PM10) guideline of 50 μg/m2 .

 

Existing Trends

 

 

 

Significance

Negative health affects are associated with this type of air pollution. It also makes a significant contribution to the unsightly “brown haze” which hangs over the Cape Town skyline. 

Implications

The City centre shows very little change over the past five years. Goodwood and Khayelitsha both show an increase in 2005 and 2006 and then declined in 2007. High levels of particulate matter pollution in Khayelitsha point to the burning of wood and paraffin for heating and cooking. Particulate matter pollution is detrimental to those who suffer from respiratory complaints as the pollution can aggravate the condition and even lead to premature death.

Map

A map showing the distribution of the air pollution monitoring stations.

References

Sustainability Report 2005

Contact

Karen Small

Head: Strategic Information Analysis and Research

Strategic Development Information and GIS

Karen.Small@capetown.gov.za

 

 

Complied by

Strategic Information, Strategic Development Information and GIS Department

Updated

2008/04/02