What is the quality of the air we're breathing in South Africa?

702's John Perlman speaks to Prof. Caradee Wright, Chief Specialist Scientist in the climate change and human health research programme at South African Medical Research Council.

Listen below:

A recent report shows that even low concentrations of air pollution carries risks of cancer, heart disease, stroke, mental health conditions and dementia.

Wright says their research shows that over 90% of South Africans are exposed to particle pollution.

"They [the particles] hold onto chemicals and other things, and because they can be very very small, they can be inhaled very deep into the lungs, and they cross into the blood..."

- Prof. Caradee Wright, Chief Specialist Scientist - South African Medical Research Council

The World Health Organization's air quality guidelines say that the number we should be aiming for when it comes to these particles is 5... and in South Africa, we have it at 20.

Wright does say that various organisations in the country are working hard to implement policies to get that number down.

She also has some suggestions for individuals, to avoid these pollutants.

"For households that are burning coal or wood, please try and start your fires outdoors... that's when the most particle emissions are coming off."

- Prof. Caradee Wright, Chief Specialist Scientist - South African Medical Research Council

Wright also suggests keeping windows closed on dusty days, and getting an air purifier if you have the means.

RELATED: SA's silent killer: Air pollution still a top health risk

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.