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Al Jazeera: “Durban’s Children Are Being Poisoned”

Durban’s children – and its adults – are being poisoned by toxic industrial pollution, according to an explosive exposé on Al Jazeera (AJ). According to an AJ programme which was aired this week, people living along the coast, in South Durban, have complained for years about the effects of toxic industrial pollution. But now they are […]

By SAPeople
20-05-17 21:30
in Eish!

Durban’s children – and its adults – are being poisoned by toxic industrial pollution, according to an explosive exposé on Al Jazeera (AJ).

According to an AJ programme which was aired this week, people living along the coast, in South Durban, have complained for years about the effects of toxic industrial pollution. But now they are stepping up their criticism… accusing oil and chemical factories near their homes of being behind frequent cases of cancer, asthma and other illnesses.

The incidence of cancer is so high that what was once called Happy Valley is now called Cancer Valley.

This area was first populated 50 years ago when the then Apartheid government moved thousands of families to the area… next to dozens of factories.

In the report from Durban by AJ’s Mohamed Vall, it shows the proximity between the huge plume of black smoke that swept over the area in March – after fire engulfed a container warehouse – indicating just how perilously close residents live to these industrial facilities are.

A recent study by the South African Health System’s Trust found that about 50% of students at one South Durban school suffered from eczema, asthma and other allergy-relate illnesses. This is 70% above national standards… and is blamed on the dirty air these young kids are breathing…

AJ did contact companies in the area but most of their queries went unanswered.