Swiss technology company IQAir released its 2023 World Air Quality report on Tuesday and Brits’ air quality is ranked as the third worst in South Africa after Benoni and Bloemfontein.
Scientists look at the concentrations of fine pollutant particles in air, PM2.5 to determine rankings. According to WHO’s guidelines, the concentration for PM2.5 is five micrograms per cubic meter or 5 µg/m3 annually. The air quality in Brits was measured at 33.6 µg/m3.
Hartbeespoort’s PM2.5 concentrations improved from 21.7 µg/m3 to 15.6 µg/m3.
Exposure to PM2.5 air pollution is particularly harmful, and can worsen health conditions like asthma, cancer, stroke and lung disease, the report warned. “Additionally, exposure to elevated levels of fine particles can impair cognitive development in children, lead to mental health issues, and complicate existing illnesses, including diabetes,” the report read.