Gasping for Air: Bloemfontein grapples with 'unhealthy' air quality

Gasping for Air: Bloemfontein grapples with ‘unhealthy’ air quality

Amidst tough contenders like the industrial Highveld, Bloemfontein has surprisingly emerged as South Africa’s pollution epicenter. Recent air quality data ranks it as the city with the worst air quality.

Bloemfontein has the worst air in the city

The air quality in Bloemfontein was the worst in the country on Tuesday 28 August, according to the IQAir index. Bloemfontein recorded the worst scoring in the country on Tuesday. Images-Unsplash/IQAir/Canva

Residents are gasping for air, as IQAir recorded on Tuesday, 28 August, that Bloemfontein had an “unhealthy” air quality status, which was the poorest in the country.

IQAir gathers data from global air quality monitors, including South Africa’s Air Quality Information System.

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Are residents gasping for air? Bloemfontein considered ”unhealthy”

During the third quarter of 2021, Bloemfontein faced “Unhealthy” air conditions, with a US AQI score of 162. This index combines data from six major air pollutants.

According to IAQir, Bloemfontein had a US AQI score of 167 which is considered unhealthy and was the worst in the country on Tuesday.The measurements are taken hourly and fluctuate accordingly.

Screenshot of the US AQI score reading of Bloemfontein. Image-IQAir

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The AQI measurements are as follows:

0 to 50 – Good
51 to 100 – Moderate
101 to 150 – Unhealthy for sensitive groups
151 to 200 – Unhealthy
201 to 300 – Very unhealthy
301+ – Hazardous

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With such elevated air pollution levels, it’s advised to stay indoors, shut doors/windows to keep out polluted air. Using an air purifier is helpful, but set it to recirculate indoor air. If you are sensitive, avoid going outside until the air quality gets better. If necessary, always wear a high-quality mask, IQAir suggests.

Screenshot from IQAir showing their health recommendations. Image-IQAir

How is it measured?

Air pollution comprises small solid particles, liquids, and gases in the atmosphere, and the World Health Organization (WHO) sets global air quality standards.

It assesses air pollutants, including particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5) and 10 micrometers or less (PM10).

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The concern with fine particles (PM2.5) is their ability to enter the blood and lungs, impacting organs.

WHO measures common pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

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The air quality in Bloemfontein was the worst in the country on Tuesday 28 August, according to the IQAir index. Bloemfontein recorded the worst scoring in the country on Tuesday.