What’s that smell? Experts weigh in on Johannesburg air quality

If you live in Johannesburg, you may have caught a whiff of a peculiar smell wafting through the air.

Professor Rebecca Garland, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Pretoria, explained that it is likely caused by hydrogen sulphide, a gas often associated with rotten eggs.

“It comes from many different sources, some of them could be more local, but also there are industries, open mines, coal-fired plants, and sewage treatment plants.”

She highlighted that while the smell isn’t a health concern, the city’s air quality has been a concern, especially in winter, and more action is needed.

“Our levels in Mpumalanga and Gauteng may not be as polluted as other places such as India and China… but our levels [in winter] do get high. They exceed the standards that the government has set.

“We do have policies in place that we're working to improve air pollution. But it's not improving fast enough, and what it's going to take is large changes in our energy system, and more quickly than we need.”

Garland encourages people to reduce their exposure by checking the air quality on the South African Air Quality Information System (SAQIS) before heading out.

She emphasises the importance of reducing physical activity and ensuring good ventilation in homes.

To listen to Butler in conversation with 702’s Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below: