Vereeniging among world's most polluted cities

VEREENIGING - Vereeniging has been identified as one of the most polluted cities globally. According to Bloomberg Green analysis of data from non-profit OpenAQ, Vereeniging consistently records the highest concentration of PM2.5, microscopic emissions indicative of severe air pollution. The crisis, affecting the entire Vaal Triangle region, stems from various sources including smoke emissions from ArcelorMittal Vanderbijlpark Works steel mill, ash clouds and toxic sulfur dioxide from Eskom’s Lethabo power station, and hydrogen sulfide from Sasol and neighboring industrial areas. With approximately 1.7-million residents exposed to hazardous pollution levels, health risks such as respiratory illnesses and cancer are prevalent. The South African government has initiated stricter pollution standards, while international efforts support the transition away from coal. The World Health Organization underscores the dire consequences of air pollution, linking it to millions of premature deaths annually. According to Bloomberg Green, the plight of Vereeniging emphasizes the urgent global need for environmental sustainability and highlights the human toll of industrial pollution.