Envass News

Dust can be defined as fine tiny particles of matter. Dust particles are considered as a major source of air pollution, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Once dust particles are suspended and carried by wind, they can be deposited near the source, or they can ever be deposited numerous kilometres from the source. The dust that is carried by wind can also carry many other types of particles that may be hazardous to health. Sources of dust include industrial, agricultural and construction activities. Dust generated from these activities can have an impact on the health and livelihoods of surrounding communities.

The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 39 of 2004 (NEMAQA), regulates air quality in order to protect the environment. The Act provides reasonable measures for the prevention of pollution and ecological degradation and for securing ecologically sustainable development while promoting justifiable economic and social development. In addition, it also provides the national norms and standards regulating air quality monitoring, management and control.

In 2013, the DEFF released the National Dust Control Regulations. The regulations were founded on the need to prevent pollution and ecological degradation and ensure the protection of the right to an environment that is not harmful to health and well-being. An important aspect highlighted in the National Dust Control Regulations is the need for a dust management plan. A dust management plan is used to identify the potential sources of dust emissions, the possible impacts associated with dust emissions and details the measures required to prevent and minimise the dust and particulate emissions.