WATCH: Inspectors conduct tests to confirm suspected toxic gases in Merewent
Residents need to be educated about smells that kill and how to identify odours that have negative effects, as well as their typical sources.
AIR quality inspectors from the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), who were called out to Badulla Drive in Merebank after reports of air pollution complaints, urge residents to report all toxic smells.
After experiencing the smell of fumes in the area when he got to the site, SDCEA’s air quality inspector, Bongani Mthembu, said from experience, he could tell that there were benzene and sulphur dioxide fumes in the air.
“We took air samples and shipped it to the lab in Pretoria. We are awaiting the results and will keep the community informed about the outcome through the media.
ALSO READ: Merewent residents protest over polluted air
“Although Engen closed its doors, we can see and feel the pollution and chemical omissions that are affecting residents. That means they are still operational and are still negatively contributing to the health of residents and the decay of our environment.
“Residents need to be educated about smells that kill and how to identify odours that have negative effects, as well as their typical sources. All odours need to be reported immediately to stop the continued exploitation of our community and environment,” said Mthembu.
ALSO READ: SDCEA’s open letter to refineries emitting toxic pollutants
To report odours, contact the SDCEA office on 031 461 1991 or the eThekwini Department of Health on 031 361 0000.
How to identify odours and its effects:
1. Odour: Rotten eggs
Gas: Hydrogen Sulphide
Effects: Cough, nausea, headaches
Industry responsible: Refineries, Crude oil vapour
2. Odour: Burned matches
Gas: Sulfur Dioxide
Effects: Asthma, high sensitivity
Industry responsible: Crude oil processing or burning
3. Odour: Cadac gas
Gas: LPG, Butane, Propylene and Propane
Effects: drowsiness, asphyxia
Industry responsible: Gas storage depots or refineries
4. Odour: Cat urine
Gas: Ammonia
Effects: Light headedness
Industry responsible: Fertiliser, cleaning agents
5. Odour: Bleach
Gas: Chlorine
Effects: Skin irritation, headaches
Industry responsible: Water treatments or bleaching agents
6. Odour: Petrol
Gas: Petrol fumes
Effects: Cancer
Industry responsible: Storage depots
7. Odour: Sweet almonds
Gas: Benzene
Effects: Vomiting, sleepiness
Industry responsible: Industrial solvent or part of petrol
8. Odour: Glue
Gas: Toluene
Effects: Intoxication
Industry responsible: Paint or resin manufacturers
9. Odour: Caramel or sugar
Gas: Cane by-products
Effects: Nuisance smell
Industry responsible: Sugar cane processing
10. Odour: Pungent acid
Gas: Polystyrene
Effects: Fatigue or depression
Industry responsible: Packaging or insulation manufacturing
11. Odour: Alcohol
Gas: Ethanol
Effects: Light headedness, intoxication
Industry responsible: Fuel refining
12. Odour: Rotten cabbage
Gas: Methanol
Effects: Respiratory failure, blinding of the eyes
Industry responsible: Fuel refining
13. Odour: Vinegar
Gas: Acetic acid
Effects: Digestive damage, skin irritation
Industry responsible: Anti-freeze agent by chemical product manufacturer
14. Odour: Husky or suffocating
Gas: Chromium or Formaldehyde
Effects: Eye irritation or lethargy
Industry responsible: Chrome manufacturer
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