Activists question Milnerton Lagoon air quality assurances

THE City of Cape Town's position that air quality around Milnerton Lagoon poses no immediate health risk has been challenged by environmental activists and an opposition councillor, who argue that the monitoring approach does not adequately reflect real exposure conditions or residents' reported health impacts.

- MURRAY SWART

A POLLUTED water channel flowing into the lagoon near Woodbridge Island, an area at the centre of concerns about sewage contamination and air quality.

(Archive)

Responding to questions, Francine Higham, the Mayoral Member for Community Services and Health, said City Health recommissioned continuous ambient air-quality monitoring at Woodbridge Island in February after earlier equipment was vandalised.

She said monitoring shows hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) concentrations remain "well below" the World Health Organization's daily guideline of 110 parts per billion, and that a review of current scientific literature indicates low-level exposure has limited impacts on human health.

Based on these findings, Higham said a formal Health Risk Assessment is "not currently warranted", adding there are "no immediate health concerns" for residents from air exposure at this time.