Depending on where in South Africa you live, winter pollution can smell musty, dank, dusty, smoky or sulphuric – like a rotten egg. Another winter pollutant, which you can’t smell at all, is carbon monoxide.
Trevor Brewer, director at air treatment specialist Solenco, says the truly unpleasant thing about winter pollution isn’t the smell – it’s the effect of the pollutants on our health. “Some toxic pollutants from the air can end up in our blood and cause myriad health issues. Some can even be deadly.”
Carbon monoxide – an odourless, invisible gas that accumulates where generators, gas heaters and open fires are poorly ventilated – can be lethal for both humans and pets. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.
South Africans on the east coast, where it’s humid year-round, and those in the Western Cape with its endless winter rain, know the musty smell well. But they may not know that the damp and mould causing the smell can also cause sinus congestion, respiratory issues and allergies.
For those in the interior, the winter air and its smoky odours constitute a major health hazard. Cold, dry air, combined with smoke from veld fires and coal-fired electricity generation, narrows airways and makes it difficult to breathe. These conditions can cause pain, inflammation, headaches, asthma, allergies, hay fever, itchy skin and nose bleeds.
South Africa’s coal-producing areas are the second-worst sulphur dioxide pollution hot spot in the world, contributing to 2 200 deaths annually. Sulphur dioxide can irritate your nose, throat and lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing and phlegm. It can cause respiratory problems like bronchitis and asthma, and has been linked to cardiovascular disease.
Brewer says that you are still at risk even if you don’t go outdoors much. “Because pollution particles are so small, you can be sure they’re being carried into your home. In fact, the concentration of pollutants and toxins found in the air can be two to five times higher indoors than out.”
While you cannot control the weather and outdoor pollution, you can control your immediate environment by investing in home air treatment solutions.
Air purifiers remove pollutants and volatile organic compounds (which can be 10 times more concentrated indoors than outdoors) from the air. “Look for a purifier that uses HEPA technology, which forces air through an ultra-fine mesh to trap contaminants like allergens, pollen, dust mites, mould spores, pet hair and dust, at the same time removing the unpleasant smells caused by winter pollutants and badly ventilated indoor living,” Brewer adds.
A dehumidifier will help prevent the musty smell caused by damp and mould, and is especially beneficial if you need to dry washing indoors. A dehumidifier with a HEPA filter will also help remove airborne particles from the air while controlling the humidity.
“Air quality is not just about fragrant aromas. The cleaner the air we breathe, the better it is for our overall health and well-being. With the right indoor air treatment technology, it is possible to take your health into your own hands – even as our outdoor air quality takes a turn for the smelly in winter,” concludes Brewer.