The Impact of Rolling Blackouts on Environmental Health in South Africa.

IF 2.4 Q1 Medicine
Journal of Health and Pollution Pub Date : 2024-12-10 eCollection Date: 2024-12-01 DOI:10.1289/JHP1090
Caradee Y Wright, Angela Mathee, Thandi Kapwata, Tracey Laban, Nomfundo Mahlangeni, Busisiwe Shezi, Sizwe Nkambule, Candice Webster, Natasha Naidoo, Renée Street
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Rolling blackouts (planned power outages) are common in low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa. Recently, South Africa has experienced longer and more frequent rolling blackouts owing to its reliance on an aging electricity grid, among other challenges. During rolling blackouts, parts of the electricity grid are shut down, and the loss of power in homes, businesses, and industries across vast areas leads to a breakdown of key amenities required for environmental health.

Objectives: This commentary contextualizes the existing consequences and potential implications of rolling blackouts for environmental health in South Africa.

Discussion: We examined key areas where rolling blackouts affect environmental health, including water and sanitation, air quality, food safety, and socioeconomic challenges. Power outages have led to contamination of freshwater bodies with raw sewage due to resultant interruptions of wastewater treatment works. The use of generators and burning of dirty fuels during blackouts have added to outdoor and household air pollution. Rolling blackouts also expose people to unsafe food. Finally, we discuss some ways forward and the benefits of using renewable energy sources. A critical evaluation of these impacts underscores the urgent need for more sustainable energy solutions that safeguard environmental health in South Africa. https://doi.org/10.1289/JHP1090.

轮流停电对南非环境健康的影响。
背景:滚动停电(计划停电)在包括南非在内的低收入和中等收入国家很常见。最近,由于依赖老化的电网,南非经历了更长时间和更频繁的滚动停电,以及其他挑战。在轮流停电期间,部分电网被关闭,广大地区的家庭、企业和工业失去电力,导致环境健康所需的关键设施瘫痪。目的:本评论介绍了南非滚动停电对环境健康的现有后果和潜在影响。讨论:我们审查了轮流停电影响环境健康的关键领域,包括水和卫生、空气质量、食品安全和社会经济挑战。由于污水处理厂的中断,电力中断导致淡水水体被未经处理的污水污染。在停电期间使用发电机和燃烧肮脏的燃料增加了室外和室内的空气污染。轮流停电也使人们接触到不安全的食品。最后,我们讨论了一些前进的道路和使用可再生能源的好处。对这些影响的批判性评价强调了迫切需要更可持续的能源解决办法,以保障南非的环境健康。https://doi.org/10.1289/JHP1090。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
Journal of Health and Pollution
Journal of Health and Pollution Medicine-Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
自引率
0.00%
发文量
0
审稿时长
18 weeks
期刊介绍: The Journal of Health and Pollution (JH&P) was initiated with funding from the European Union and World Bank and continues to be a Platinum Open Access Journal. There are no publication or viewing charges. That is, there are no charges to readers or authors. Upon peer-review and acceptance, all articles are made available online. The high-ranking editorial board is comprised of active members who participate in JH&P submissions and editorial policies. The Journal of Health and Pollution welcomes manuscripts based on original research as well as findings from re-interpretation and examination of existing data. JH&P focuses on point source pollution, related health impacts, environmental control and remediation technology. JH&P also has an interest in ambient and indoor pollution. Pollutants of particular interest include heavy metals, pesticides, radionuclides, dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), air particulates (PM10 and PM2.5), and other severe and persistent toxins. JH&P emphasizes work relating directly to low and middle-income countries, however relevant work relating to high-income countries will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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