Sasol concerned about pollution

2002-03-20 13:32

Elise Tempelhoff

Sasolburg - Sasal Infrachem is concerned about the quality of air that Vaal Triangle residents inhale and therefore it allocates R12 million annually to monitor air quality, said Sasol spokesperson Johnny Stonlake on Tuesday.

Stonlake was responding to a statement by groundWork executive director Bobby Peek suggesting that their test results revealed at least 17 chemicals in the air above Sasolburg.

Three of the chemicals are listed on the US list for extremely dangerous materials, Peek said.

High levels of benzine and several chlorides were recorded. Among these chlorides, particularly those released near plastic factories are known to cause cancer.

People exposed to these materials over a period of time develop reduced immunity, respiratory problems, liver damage, depression, nausea, insomnia and anaemia.

Stonlake added that Sasol employers were equally concerned about air pollution in the Vaal Triangle. "We also live here and our children are growing up here. We do not give Sasol employees a tablet telling them they are now protected against air pollution."

Stonlake added that Sasol spends R12 million annually on monitoring the air in the Vaal Triangle.

- Beeld