Adapted from SDCEA's Toxic City Booklet and generously shared with permission.
SDCEA has compiled a list of companies in the south Durban area and the chemical emissions each of these companies are involved in. Accompanied with these chemicals, is a list of acute (short term) and chronic (long term) health impacts associated with each of the chemicals. The health effects listing was reviewed by Professor Rajen Naidoo of the Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZuluNatal.
This book aims to educate and create public awareness around what chemicals are being put into our air, by these companies, and essentially hold them accountable for the multitude of health issues the residents of the south Durban basin face on a daily basis. NOTE: In reposting this material, PL has sorted by industry type
Packaging and Paper Products
| Mondi | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | Irritate and burn skin, mouth, throad, lungs, and eyes | Blindness, lung damage, or death |
| Nitrate | Irritability, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhoea and laboured breathing | Brain damage, potential cancer causing chemical or death |
| Calcium | Red and irritated eyes | Overactive thyroid gland and potential bone cancer |
| Magnesium | Coughing, headache, weakness, fever, diarrhoea, red and painful eyes | Respiratory distress and low blood pressure |
| Potassium | Coughing, sore throat, blisters on skin | Severe burning of eyes loss of vision and shock |
| Sodium | Coughing, sore throat, blisters on skin and headaches | High blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke |
| Sulphate | Dehydration, diarrhoea, coughing, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Intestinal discomfort and burning |
| Aluminium | Irritation of eyes and skin, headaches, cough and fever | Scarring of lungs |
| Cadmium | Affects blood pressure, memory, and attention span | Cancerous and harmful to lungs, bones, and kidneys |
| Iron | Dizziness, headache, red and painful skin and eyes | Arthritis, liver damage and heart problems |
| Lead | Nausea, vomiting and headaches | Fatigue, weakness and memory loss |
| Manganese | Coughing, red and painful eyes, headache and constipation | Aggressiveness, hallucinations, difficulty with concentration and memory loss |
| Flourine | Red and painful skin and eyes, coughing, sore throat, and shortness of breath | Severe burning of skin and eyes and frostbite |
| Nitrogen oxides | Coughing and wheezing | Respiratory problems, inflammation fo the lining of the lungs and bronchitis |
| Sulphur dioide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| Carbon monoxide | Hadache, nausea, rapid breathing, weakness, exhaustion, dizziness & confusion | Severe oxygen deficiency, irreversible braina nd heart damage |
| Promethium | Nausea, voming, and sickness | Radioactive substance |
| Arsenic | Cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, red skin & eyes, diarrhoea, nausea & vomiting | Unconsciousness, burning of throat and chest |
| Calcium carbonate | Nausea, vomiting, constipation, and flatulence | Loss of appetite, varying of calcium and phosphate levels in the boddy |
| Zinc | Dry skin, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain | Lowered immunity and loss of appetite |
| Sulphuric acid | Red and painful skin and eyes, sore throat, cough and abdominal pain | Burning of eyes and skin, respiratory tract and digestive system |
| Mercury | Coughing, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, vomiting and red skin | Fever, muscle weakness, and impaired speech |
| Ammonia | Irritate and burn skin, mouth, throat, lungs, and eyes | Blindness, lung damage, or death |
| Dioxides | Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath | Irritation of airways |
Textile Manufacturing
| Dyefin Textiles Ltd | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen peroxide | Sore throat, cough, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, red and painful eyes & skin | Burning of skin and eyes and blurred vision |
| Caustic soda | Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, blistering of skin and diarrhoea | Burning of skin, permanent scarring of eyes and blurred vision |
| Acetic acid | Coughing, sore throat, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath and diarrhoea | Burning and blistering of skin, loss of vision, shock and collapse |
| Sodium sulphate | Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea | Fatigue and possible heart failure |
| Lime-unslaked | Weakness and joint pain | Unconsciousness, burning of eyes and skin |
| Sodium hypochloride | Coughing, sore throat, red and painful skin and eyes, vomiting and diarrhoea | Burning of eyes, skin, respiratory tract and digestive system |
| Sulphuric acid | Red and painful skin and eyes, sore throat, coughing and abdominal pain | Black or dark-coloured stool and staining of teeth |
| Ferrous sulphate | Diarrhoea, stomach cramps and upset stomach | Unconsciousness, severe burning of eyes and skin and loss of vision |
| Formic acide | Sore throat, red and painful skin and eyes, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing and shortness of breath | |
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
Chemical Manufacturing
| HOSAF | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon monoxide | Headache, nausea, rapid breathing, weakness, exhaustion, dizziness and confusion. | Severe oxygen deficiency, irreversible brain and heart damage |
| Carbon dioxide | Dizziness, headache, elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate | Frostbite, unconsciousness and suffocation |
| Volatile organic compounds | Headaches, dizziness and nausea | Fatigue, damage to liver, kidneys and central nervous system |
| Monoethylene glycol | Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps | Heart failure, high blood pressure and irriation to respiratory tract |
| Terephthalic acid | Coughing, redness of eyes and skin | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Lung disease, respiratory irritation and could possibly be cancerous |
| Antimony trioxide | Coughing, headache, nausea, sore throat, vomiting, red and painful skin and eyes and sore throat | Cancerous to humans |
| HOECHST SA | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| Oxygen | Coughing, dizziness and sore throat | Behavioural changes, irritability, anxiety and confusion |
| Carbon dioxide | Dizziness, headache, elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate | Frostbite, unconsioness and suffocation |
| EVONIK PEROXIDE AFRICA | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen peroxide | Sore throat, cough, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, red and painful eyes & skin | Burning of skin and eyes and blurred vision |
| Volatile organic compounds | Headaches, dizziness and nausea | Fatigue, damage to liver, kidneys and central nervous system |
| CHEMICAL INITIATIVES | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur | Coughing, sore throat, redness of skin and eyes and diarrhoea | Burning of respiratory and digestive tract |
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| NCP CHLORCHEM | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium hypochlorite | Coughing, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, red and painful eyes and skin | |
| Chlorine cylinders | Wheezing, coughing, sore throat, eye and skin irritation |
| BAYER | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium dichromate | Red and painful skin and eyes, sore throat, coughing and wheezing | Blurred vision, severe burning of eyes, skin and digestive tract |
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| Chromium oxide | Coughing, wheezing, sore throat, red and painful skin and eyes | Burning of skin and eyes |
| Chromium trioxide | Irritation of nose and throat, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath | Burning of eyes and loss of vision |
| NALCO CHEMSERVE | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylonitrile | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, redness of eyes and skin, vomiting, weakness and skin blistering | Convulsions |
| Acrylamide | Coughing, sore throat, weakness, painful and red eyes and skin | |
| Acrylic acid | Coughing, sore throat, laboured breath, diarrhoea and shock | Unconsciousness and burning of digestive and respiratory tract |
| Caustic soda | Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, blistering of skin and diarrhoea | Burning of skin, permanent scarring of eyes and blurred vision |
| Ammonium chloride | Coughing, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, red and painful eyes and skin | |
| Isopropyl alcohol | Irritation of skin and eyes, dizziness and nausea | Low blood pressure and slowing of heartbeat |
| Chromium sulphate | Inflammation of the skin and irritation of the lungs | Asthma and skin disease |
| Ammonium persulfate | Hives, swelling, skin inflammation | Asthma and loss of consciousness |
| ASSOCIATED ADDITIVES | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium oxide | Coughing, red and painful eyes | Fatigue |
| Bisphenol | Weight gain and vitamin D deficiency | Cancer, insomnia and heart disease |
| Tri isocyanurate | Red and painful eyes, inflammation of skin | Fatigue, weakness and memory loss |
| Lead | Nausea, vomiting and headaches |
| ALLIANCE PEROXIDE | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen peroxide | Sore throat, cough, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, red and painful eyes & skin | Burning to skin and eyes and blurred vision |
| Methane | Headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting | Suffocation and frostbite |
| Ethane | Dizziness, vomiting and nausea | Suffocation and frostbite |
| Ethylene | Drowsiness and headaches | Unconsciousness |
| Hydrogen | Headaches, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and dizziness | Unconsciousness, depression and suffocation |
| Carbon monoxide | Headache, nausea, rapid breathing, weakness, exhaustion, dizziness and confusion. | Severe oxygen deficiency, irreversible brain and heart damage. |
| Sulphur | Coughing, sore throat, redness of skin and eyes and diarrhoea | Severe oxygen deficiency, irreversible brain and heart damage. |
| Nitrogen | Painful eyes, burning of eyes and skin | Unconsciousness, suffocation and frostbite |
| Oxygen | Coughing, dizziness and sore throat | Behavioural changes, irritability, anxiety and confusion |
| Carbon dioxide | Dizziness, headache, elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate | Frostbite, unconsciousness and suffocation |
| Suphur oxide | Damage to immune system | Heart damage, liver and kidney function damage |
| Promethium | Nausea, vomiting and sickness | Radioactive substance |
| Hydrocarbon | Coughing, vomiting, burning in stomach | Coma, seizures and respiratory distress |
| Nitrogen oxide | Coughing and wheezing | Respiratory problems, inflammation of the lining of the lungs and bronchitis |
| Ferrochrome | Diarrhoea, stomach pains, indigestion and vomiting |
Automotive Production
| Toyota South Africa Motors | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Toluene | Coughing, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, red & painful skin & eyes | Unconsciousness and burning of digestive tract |
| Xylene | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, redness of eyes and skin | Burning of digestive tract |
| Hydrogen peroxide | Sore throat, cough, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, red and painful eyes & skin | Corrosive (burning) to skin and eyes and blurred vision |
| Cataler SA | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium oxide | Coughing, redness of eyes | Lung disease and affects nervous system |
| Platinum | Coughing, sore throat, red and painful eyes, vomiting and nausea | Decreased lung function and cardiovascular disease |
| Rhodium | Coughing and redness of eyes | Skin allergy and rashes |
| Vanadium oxalate | Sore throat, coughing, redness of skin and eyes | Cardiac and vascular disease |
| Poly ethylene gylcol | Diarrhoea and nausea | |
| Ammonia | Irritate and burn skin, mouth, throat, lungs and eyes. | Blindness, lung damage or death. |
| Nitrogen oxide | Coughing and wheezing | Respiratory problems, inflammation of the lining of the lungs and bronchitis |
| Plascon Automotive | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Isocynates | Irritation of the eyes, nose, skin and throat, shortness of breath and coughing | Bronchitis and pneumonia |
| Polyurethane-polymers | Irritation of skin, eyes, nose and throat, chest tightness and breathing difficulties. Red and painful eyes, abdominal pain | Burning of skin and digestive tract |
| Diethanolamine | Drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, confusion, vomiting and nausea | Memory loss and numbness of extremities |
| Propylene | Dizziness, headaches, irritation of skin and eyes | Burning of eyes and skin |
| Methylpropanol | Sore throat, coughing, painful skin and eyes and abdominal pain | Severe burning of skin and eyes, loss of vision |
| Diethylenetriamine | Coughing and skin irritation | Respiratory distress |
| Methoxypropanol - 1 & 2 | Nausea, vomiting, headaches, stomach pain, diarrhoea, dizziness and constipation | Anxiety, memory loss and insomnia |
| RoxanolCardura - e10p | Eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation | |
| Carbonate | Headaches, dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath skin & eye irritation | Depression, damage to vision, fatigue, numbness of extremities, memory loss and hyperventilation |
| Epoxy resin | Skin and respiratory irritation | |
| Dimethylamino - propylamine | Coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, painful skin and eyes | Severe burning of skin and eyes and blurred vision |
| Formic acid | Sore throat, red and painful skin and eyes, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing and shortness of breath | Unconsciousness, severe burning of eyes and skin and loss of vision |
| Texanol | Redness and irritation of skin and eyes | |
| Acetic acid | Coughing, sore throat, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath and diarrhoea | Burning anf blistering of skin, loss of vision, shock and collapse |
| Sulfonic acid | Irritation of skin, eyes, nose and throat, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath | Burning of skin and eyes |
| Butyldiglycol | Moderate irritation of eyes and corneal injury | |
| Paratoluene sulfonic acid | Irritation of skin, coughing, dryness and burning throat | Burning of skin |
| Methylene diisocyanate | Headache, nausea, shortness of breath and skin irritation | "diisocyanate-induced asthma" |
| WASTEMAN KZN | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | Nausea, vomiting and headaches | Fatigue, weakness and memory loss |
| Perchloreothylene | Dizziness, headache, sleepiness, irritation of respiratory tract and eyes | Kidney dysfunction, behavioural and mood changes |
| Ammonium carbonate | Irritation of eyes, nose, throat and lungs, coughing, difficulty breathing | |
| Ammonium chloride | Coughing, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, red and painful eyes and skin |
| CATALER | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon monoxide | Headache, nausea, rapid breathing, weakness, exhaustion, dizziness and confusion. | Severe oxygen deficiency, irreversible brain and heart damage. |
| Volatile organic gases | Headaches, dizziness and nausea | Fatigue, damage to liver, kidneys and central nervous system |
| Nitrogen oxide | Coughing and wheezing | Respiratory problems, inflammation of the lining of the lungs and bronchitis |
| Ammonia | Irritate and burn skin, mouth, throat, lungs and eyes. | Blindness, lung damage or death. |
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| Particulate matter | Irritation of airways, coughing, difficulty breathing | Asthma, possible lung and heart disease |
| Sodium carbonate anhydrous | Vomiting, diarrhoes, coughing, blistering and redness of skin | Burning of gastro-intestinal tract and corneal destruction |
| Sodium nitrite | Headaches, nausea, dizziness, red and painful eyes | Unconsciousness and convulsions |
| Ammonium hydroxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, vomiting, red and painful skin and eyes | Blurred vision and burning of eyes and skin |
| Sulphuric acid | Red and painful skin and eyes, sore throat, cough and abdominal pain | Burning of eyes, skin, respiratory tract and digestive system |
| Nitric acid | Coughing, sore throat, vomiting, painful skin and eyes | Burning of skin and eyes |
| Aluminium nitrate | Skin irritation, burning of eyes, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath | |
| Hydrazine hydrate | Burning and irritation of skin and eyes | Damage to respiratory tract |
| Chloroplatinic acid | Irritation of nose and throat, coughing and wheezing | |
| Lanthanum carbonate | Nausea, vomiting, itching and rashes on skin and stomach cramps | |
| Pyromellitic acid | Irritation of skin, eyes and digestive tract, wheezing and shortness of breath | |
| Rhodium chloride | Irritation of skin and eyes, skin allergy and rashes | |
| Aluminium oxide | Cough, redness of eyes | Lung disease and affects nervous system |
| Platinum/rhodium | Coughing, sore throat, red and painful eyes, vomiting and nausea | Decreased lung function and cardiovascular disease |
| Vanadium oxalate | Weakening, sickness, headaches, sore throat and nose bleeds | Bleeding of liver and kidney |
| Poly ethylene glycol | Nausea, vomiting, bloating, dizziness, diarrhoea and constipation | |
| Propane | Drowsiness and skin irritation | Unconsciousness |
| Acetylene | Dizziness, dullness and headaches | Suffocation |
Shipping and Transportation
| NATIONAL PORTS AUTHORITY | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Methane | Headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting | Suffocation and frostbite |
| Diesel | Dizziness, headache, nausea, dry skin and red and painful skin and eyes | Bronchitis, kidney damage, low blood pressure, asthma & potential heart disease |
| DURBAN COAL TERMINAL LTD | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| Coal | Sneezing, coughing, red and painful eyes and skin, irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract | Could potentially cause cancer |
| TRANSNET | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Particulate matter | Irritation of airways, coughing, difficulty breathing | Asthma, possible lung and heart disease |
| Octane | Vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, sore throat, red and painful skin and eyes | Unconsciousness |
| Polyethylene | Coughing | Potentially cancerous and impaired immunity |
| Trimethylene glycol | Headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting | |
| Hexylene glycol | Irritation of skin, eyes and nose, cughing and wheezing | May affect liver, kidney and nervous system, fatigue and reduced memory loss |
| Lauryl glycol | Skin and eye irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea |
| PORT OF DURBAN | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Ferromanganese | Coughing | Pneumonia and reduced lung function |
| CMC GRINDROD | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen oxide | Coughing and wheezing | Respiratory problems, inflammation of the lining of the lungs and bronchitis |
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| Particulate matter | Irritation of airways, coughing, difficulty breathing | Asthma, possible lung and heart disease |
| Caustic soda | Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, blistering of skin and diarrhoea | Burning of skin, permanent scarring of eyes and blurred vision |
| Glycerine | Cramping, nausea and vomiting | Excessive bowel activity |
| Xylene | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, redness of eyes and skin | Burning of digestive tract |
| Ethyle acetate | Coughing, drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, sore throat, dry skin, red and painful eyes | Unconsciousness |
| Butyl acetate | Coughing, sore throat, dizziness, headache nausea, dry skin and red and painful eyes | |
| Acrylonitrile | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, redness of eyes and skin, vomiting, weakness and skin blistering | Convulsions |
| Styrene | Dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, red and painful eyes and skin | Unconsciousness |
| Benzene | Harmful to eyes, skin, airway, nervous system and lungs. | Can cause blood cancer, such a leukemia. |
| Acetone | Coughing, dizziness, drowsiness, sore throat, dry skin, nausea, vomiting, redness and painful eyes | Unconsciousness, blurred vision and corneal damage |
| Transnet Ltd | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Crude oil | Irritation of the skin and eyes, dizziness, coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing | Burning of skin and nose passages, black mucousand rapid heart rate |
| VAN OMMEREN TANK TERMINALS | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylonitrile | Headaches, nausea, irritaton and redness of skin | Increased occurance of tumors in the brain, salivary glands and intestines |
| Propylene oide | Coughing, sore throat, red and painful skin and eyes | Burning of eyes |
| Hydrogen cyanide | Confusion, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath and redness of eyes | Unconsciousness or death |
| Acrylates | Headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of skin and eyes and shortness of breath | Excess fluid in lungs and lung damage |
| Carboylic acids | Skin and eye irritation, coughing, drowsiness and weakness | Anaemia, heart and liver damage |
| Ketone | Dizziness, drowsiness and diarrhoea | Low blood sugar levels |
| Alkyl phenol ethoxylate | Irritation of skin and eyes | Potentially carcinogenic |
| Nonylphenol ethoxylate | Can mimic the hormone estrogen to cause early menstruation | |
| Monomethylamine | Burning and irritation of skin and eyes, coughing and wheezing | |
| Mono ethylene dichloride | Nausea and vomiting | Affects nervous system, liver and kidneys as well as respiratory distress |
| Sodium thiocynate | Coughing, nausea, diarrhoea and weakness | Affects central nervous system and thyroid |
| Sodium dichromate | Red and painful skin and eyes, sore throat, coughing and wheezing | Blurred vision, severe burning of eyes, skin and digestive tract |
| Hydrogen peroxide | Sore throat, cough, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, red and painful eyes & skin | Burning of skin and eyes and blurred vision |
| Methyl chloride | Dizziness, headaches, nausea and vomiting | Unconsciousness, frostbite and convulsions |
| Perchloroethylene | Dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, shortness of breath, light headedness irritation of eyes lungs and respiratory tract | Affects central nervous system, liver and kidneys |
| Amino alcohols | Nausea, headaches, loss of appetite and muscle wasting | Brain disorders |
| Glycols | Skin irritation and allergy | Poor kidney and liver function, cardiovascular and respiratory issues |
| Methyl tert-butyl ether | Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, redness of skin & eyes | Unconsciousness |
| Hexene | Coughing, dizziness, drowsiness, sore throat, vomiting, dry skin and redness of eyes | Unconsciousness |
| Toluene | Coughing, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, red and painful skin & eyes | Unconsciousness and burning of digestive tract |
| Xylene | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, redness of eyes and skin | Burning of digestive tract |
| Methyl methacrylatemonomer styrene | Coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and redness of skin & eyes | |
| Vinyl acetate monomer | Irritation of eyes, nose and throat |
| AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Volatile organic compounds | Headaches, dizziness and nausea | Fatigue, damage to liver, kidneys and central nervous system |
| Benzene | Harmful to eyes, skin, airway, nervous system and lungs. | Can cause blood cancer, such a leukemia. |
| Toluene | Coughing, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, red and painful skin and eyes | Unconsciousness and burning of digestive tract |
| Xylene | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, redness of eyes and skin | Burning of digestive tract |
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| Nitrogen oxide | Coughing and wheezing | Respiratory problems, inflammation of the lining of the lungs and bronchitis |
| INDIAN OCEAN TERMINALS (IOT) | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Caustic soda | Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, blistering of skin and diarrhoea | Burning of skin, permanent scarring of eyes and blurred vision |
| Particulate matter | Irritation of airways, coughing, difficulty breathing | Asthma, possible lung and heart disease |
Oil and Gas
| SASOL SYNTHETIC FUELS | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Methane | Headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting | Suffocation and frostbite |
| Hydrocarbons | Coughing, vomiting, burning in stomach | Coma, seizures and respiratory distress |
| Carbon monoxide | Headache, nausea, rapid breathing, weakness, exhaustion, dizziness and confusion. | Severe oxygen deficiency, irreversible brain and heart damage. |
| Nitrogen oxide | Coughing and wheezing | Respiratory problems, inflammation of the lining of the lungs and bronchitis |
| Argon | Dizziness, dullness, headache | Suffocation, frostbite |
| Hydrogen peroxide | Sore throat, cough, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, red and painful eyes & skin | Burning of skin and eyes and blurred vision |
| Particulate matter | Irritation of airways, coughing, difficulty breathing | Asthma, possible lung and heart disease |
| Heavy fuel oil | Vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, drowsiness, restlessness and difficulty breathing | Pneumonia and unconsciousness |
| Nitrogen | Painful eyes, burning of eyes and skin | Unconsciousness, suffocation and frostbite |
| Sulphur oxide | Damage to immune system | Heart damage, liver and kidney function damage |
| Carbon dioxide | Dizziness, headache, elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate | Frostbite, unconsciousness, and suffocation |
| Ethane | Dizziness, vomiting and nausea | Suffocation and frostbite |
| Ethylene | Drowsiness and headaches | Unconsciousness |
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| SAPREF | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphide | Headache, dizziness, nausea, coughing, drowsiness and altered breath | Fatigue and memory loss |
| Hydrogen sulphide | Headache, irritation of eyes, nose and throat. | Unconsciousness or death |
| Ammonia | Irritate and burn skin, mouth, throat, lungs and eyes. | Blindness, lung damage or death. |
| Carbon dioxide | Dizziness, headache, elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate | Frostbite, unconsciousness and suffocation |
| Sulphur oxide | Damage to immune system. Harmful to eyes, skin, airway, nervous system and lungs. | Heart damage, liver and kidney function damage. Can cause blood cancer, such a leukemia. |
| Toluene | Coughing, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, red & painful skin and eyes | Unconsciousness and burning of digestive tract |
| M&p-xylene | ||
| O-xylene | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, redness of eyes and skin | Burning of digestive tract |
| Octane | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, redness of eyes and skin | Burning of digestive tract |
| Nonane | Vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, sore throat, red and painful skin & eyes | Unconsciousness |
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| Methyl tert butyl ether | Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, weakness, red skin and eyes, nausea and vomiting | Unconsciousness |
| Manganese tricarbonyl | Irritability, lack of concentration | Agressiveness, hallucinations |
| Ferrocene | Sore throat, red and painful eyes and skin | |
| Ethyl tert-butyl ether | Cough, drowsiness, red skin and eyes, sore throat | Unconsciousness |
| Tert-amyl methyl ether | Skin and eye irritation | Unconsciousness |
| Ethanol | Coughing, headache, drowsiness, dry skin, red and painful eyes | Fatigue and burning eyes |
| Maleic anhydride | Red and painful skin and eyes, coughing and laboured breath | Blurred vision, burning of digestive tract |
| Fumaric acid | Red and painful skin and eyes, coughing, sore throat, nausea and diarrhoea | |
| Butane | Drowsiness | Unconsciousness and frostbite |
| Xylene | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, redness of eyes and skin | Burning of digestive tract |
| NATCOS Pty Ltd | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Particulate matter | Irritation of airways, coughing, difficulty breathing | Asthma, possible lung and heart disease |
| Hydrocarbons | Coughing, vomiting, burning in stomach | Coma, seizures and respiratory distress |
| CHEVRON CORPORATION PROJECT PHOENIX | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Benzene | Harmful to eyes, skin, airway, nervous system and lungs. | Can cause blood cancer, such a leukemia. |
| Toluene | Coughing, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, red and painful skin & eyes | Unconsciousness and burning of digestive tract |
| Ethylbenzene | Coughing, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, redness of skin and eyes, headaches and burning of chest and throat | |
| Xylene | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, redness of eyes and skin | Burning of digestive tract |
| Volatile organic compounds | Headaches, dizziness and nausea | Fatigue, damage to liver, kidneys and central nervous system |
| VOPAK | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylonitrile | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, redness of eyes and skin, vomiting, weakness and skin blistering | Convulsions |
| Propylene oxide | Coughing, sore throat, red and painful skin and eyes | Burning of eyes |
| Vinyl acetate | Irritation of eyes, nose and throat | |
| Hydrogen cyanide | Confusion, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath and redness of eyes | Unconsciousness or death |
| Ethyl acrylate | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, red and painful eyes and skin | |
| Butyl acrylate | Coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, redness of skin and eyes | |
| 2-ethylhexyl acrylate | Skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation | |
| Butanol | Coughing, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, wheezing and headaches | Irregular heartbeat |
| n-butanol | Drowsiness, dizziness and irritation of skin and eyes | |
| 1-butanol | Coughing, sore throat, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhoea, redness of skin and eyes |
| BULBUS GAS RECOVERY PROJECT | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen oxide | Coughing and wheezing | Respiratory problems, inflammation of the lining of the lungs and bronchitis |
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| Volatile organic compounds | Headaches, dizziness and nausea | Fatigue, damage to liver, kidneys and central nervous system |
| Dioxins | Coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath | Irritation of airways |
| Furan | Irritation and burning of skin, eyes and respiratory tract, dizziness, headaches and shortness of breath | Unconsciousness |
| ELF GAS | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Propane | Drowsiness and skin irritation | Unconsciousness |
| Butane | Drowsiness | Unconsciousness and frostbite |
| CALTEX OIL | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Paraffin | Irritation of eyes and respiratory tract, nausea and skin rashes | Diabetes, poor blood circulation and numbness of hands and feet |
| EASIGAS | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Liquified petroleum gas | Dizziness | Hallucination or heart failure |
| Propane | Drowsiness and skin irritation | Unconsciousness |
| Butane | Drowsiness | Unconsciousness and frostbite |
| Particulate Matter | Irritation of airways, coughing, difficulty breathing | Asthma, possible lung and heart disease |
| Butylene | Coughing, dizziness, headache, nausea, sore throat, red and painful eyes and skin | Unconsciousness |
| Isobutene | Drowsiness, dizziness, dullness, nausea and vomiting | Unconsciousness and frostbite |
| Faecal coliforms | Fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea | Upset gastrointestine |
| Nitrogen oide | Coughing and wheezing | Respiratory problems, inflammation of the lining of the lungs and bronchitis |
| BLENDCOR PLY LTD | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium sulphate | Coughing, redness of eyes, abdominal pain | Inflammation of skin |
| CASTROL | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium sulphate | Coughing, redness of eyes, abdominal pain | Inflammation of skin |
| Diesel | Dizziness, headache, nausea, dry skin and red and painful skin and eyes | Bronchitis, kidney damage, low blood pressure, asthma & potential heart disease |
| Carbon monoxide | Headache, nausea, rapid breathing, weakness, exhaustion, dizziness and confusion. | Severe oxygen deficiency, irreversible brain and heart damage. |
| Sulphur oxide | Damage to immune system | Heart damage, liver and kidney function damage |
| Carbon dioxide | Dizziness, headache, elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate | Frostbite, unconsciousness and suffocation |
| ENGEN PETROLEUM REFINERY | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen oxide | Coughing and wheezing | Respiratory problems, inflammation of the lining of the lungs and bronchitis |
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| Sulphur oxide | Damage to immune system | Heart damage, liver and kidney function damage |
| Octane | Vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, sore throat, red & painful skin and eyes | Unconsciousness |
| Carbon dioxide | Dizziness, headache, elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate | Frostbite, unconsioness and suffocation |
| Methyl tert-butyl ether | Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, weakness, red skin and eyes, nausea and vomiting | Unconsciousness |
| Liquid petroleum gas | Dizziness | Hallucination or heart failure |
| Liquid asphaltene | Coughing, shortness of breath, red and painful eyes | Serious skin burns |
| BItumen | Affects respiratory system | Potentially cancerous, asthma and bronchitis |
| Poly-aromatic hydrocarbons | Irritation of throat and stomach, difficulty breathing | Pneumonia, affects immune system, lungs, liver and kidney function |
| Hydrogen sulphide | Headache, irritation of eyes, nose and throat | Unconsciousness or death |
General Manufacturing
| SOUTH AFRICAN BREWERIES LTD. | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Methane | Headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting | Suffocation and frostbite |
| Particulate matter | Irritation of airways, coughing, difficulty breathing | Asthma, possible lung and heart disease |
| Hydrogen sulphide | Headache, irritation of eyes, nose and throat. | Unconsciousness or death |
| INDUSTRIAL OLEO CHEMICAL PRODUCTS | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur oxides | Damage to immune system | Heart damage, liver and kidney function damage |
| SOUTH DURBAN SEA | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon monoxide | Headache, nausea, rapid breathing, weakness, exhaustion, dizziness and confusion. | Severe oxygen deficiency, irreversible brain and heart damage. |
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| Nitrogen oxide | Coughing and wheezing | Respiratory problems, inflammation of the lining of the lungs and bronchitis |
| Liquified petroleum gas | Dizziness | Hallucination or heart failure |
| Paraffin | Irritation of eyes and respiratory tract, nausea and skin rashes | Diabetes, poor blood circulation and numbness of hands and feet |
| Bitumen | Affects respiratory system | Potentially cancerous, asthma and bronchitis |
| Volatile organic compounds | Headaches, dizziness and nausea | Fatigue, damage to liver, kidneys and central nervous system |
| WASTE ALLIANCE | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Methane | Headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting | Suffocation and frostbite |
| Landfill gas | Headache, dizziness, nausea, stress, anxiety, irritation of eyes and respiratory system | Cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory and nerve disorder |
| TONGAAT HULETT SUGAR REFINERY | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen oxide | Coughing and wheezing | Respiratory problems, inflammation of the lining of the lungs and bronchitis |
| Carbon dioxide | Dizziness, headache, elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate | Frostbite, unconsioness and suffocation |
| Sulphur dioxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, red and painful eyes | Bronchitis and asthma attacks |
| Particulate matter | Irritation of airways, coughing, difficulty breathing | Asthma, possible lung and heart disease |
| Calcium carbonate | Nausea, vomiting, constipation and flatulence | Loss of appetite, varying of calcium and phosphate levels in the body |
| OTV RSA ENVIRONMENT LTD | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Ozone | Coughing, headaches, sore throat, loss of vision, redness of skin and eyes and shortness of breath | Frostbite and fatigue |
| Chlorine | Coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, wheezing, red and painful skin and eyes | Burning of skin and eyes and frostbite |
| HEARTLAND LEASING | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium hydroxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, blisters on skin, painful and red eyes and skin | Burning of skin, eyes and digestive tract |
| Sodium chloride | Coughing, sore throat, vomiting, red and painful eyes and skin | Convulsions |
| UMBONGITWINI INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Oleum | Coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, vomiting, nausea, red and painful eyes and skin | Burning of eyes, skin, respiratory tract and digestive system |
| Sulphuric acid | Red and painful skin and eyes, sore throat, cough and abdominal pain | Burning of eyes, skin, respiratory tract and digestive system |
| Sulphur trioxide | Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, nausea skin blisters, red and painful skin and eyes | Severe burning of the skin and eyes, shock or collapse |
| Hydrogen | Headaches, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and dizziness | Unconsciousness, depression and suffocation |
| ANCHOR PAIL AND DRUM | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Acetone | Coughing, dizziness, drowsiness, sore throat, dry skin, nausea, vomiting, redness and painful eyes | Unconsciousness, blurred vision and corneal damage |
| Acetic acid | Coughing, sore throat, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath and diarrhoea | Burning and blistering of skin, loss of vision, shock and collapse |
| Alkylphenol | Affects liver and kidneys | |
| Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate | Eye irritation and skin sensitivity | |
| Mineral oil | Diarrhoea, tightness of chest, redness of skin and stomach cramps | Burning and blistering of skin, loss of vision, shock and collapse |
| Alkenyl succinimide | Inflammation of skin | |
| Calcium alkaryl | Skin or eye irritation | |
| Aryl phosphine | Headaches, dizziness, cough, sore throat and chest tightness | Fatigue, tremors and excess fluid in lungs |
| Alkyl phosphate | Increased risk of Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder | |
| Alkyl amine | Irritation of skin and eyes, coughing and sore throat | |
| Hydrogen chloride | Irritation fo eyes, skin and respiratory tract, coughing and sore throat | Burning of skin and eyes, frostbite |
| Toluene | Coughing, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, red and painful skin & eyes | Unconsciousness and burning of digestive tract |
| Xylene | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, redness of eyes and skin | Burning of digestive tract |
| Light aliphatic petroleum solvent | Dizziness and cardio-respiratory arrest | Hallucination, nerve and brain damage |
| Ethanol blends | Asthma | Cardiovascular and pulmonary disease |
| Ethylene glycol monobutyl | Irritation of eyes, nose and throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and headaches | Acute renal failure |
| n-hexane | Dizziness, headaches, nausea, painful and red skin and eyes | Unconsciousness |
| Benzene | Harmful to eyes, skin, airway, nervous system and lungs. | Can cause blood cancer, such a leukemia. |
| Sodium nitrate | Coughing, sore throat, redness of skin and eyes, diarrhoea, dizziness, nausea & headaches | Unconsciousness |
| Sodium hydroxide | Coughing, shortness of breath, blisters on skin, painful and red eyes and skin | Corrosive to skin, eyes and digestive tract |
| TOTAL PTY LTD | Acute Health Impacts | Chronic Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel fuel | Dizziness, headache, nausea, dry skin and red and painful skin and eyes | Bronchitis, kidney damage, low blood pressure, asthma & potential heart disease |
| Calcium | Red and irritated eyes | Overactive thyroid gland and potential bone cancer |
| Hydrocarbons | Coughing, vomiting, burning in stomach | Coma, seizures and respiratory distress |
| Benzene | Harmful to eyes, skin, airway, nervous system and lungs. | Can cause blood cancer, such a leukemia. |
| Toluene | Coughing, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, red and painful skin and eyes | Unconsciousness and burning of digestive tract |
| Ethylbenzene | Coughing, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, redness of skin and eyes, headaches and burning of chest and throat | Burning of digestive tract |
| Xylene | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, redness of eyes and skin | Fatgiue and loss of vision |
| Tetraethyl lead | Irritation of skin and eyes, weakness, headaches and disturbed sleep |
Compiled by: Reshantha Moodley Reviewed by: Professor Rajen Naidoo Data collection: Conner Vasu
South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) is an organisation that campaigns for environmental justice and sustainable development in South Durban and the broader Durban municipal area. SDCEA was launched in 1995 to unite members in a common struggle for a healthy living environment and for environmentally sustainable and socially responsible development in south Durban. SDCEA has been both unique and tenacious in challenging government and industry to address the inequities of pollution and unsustainable development in the area and simultaneously raising public awareness about environmental justice.
To learn more about their work, visit sdcea.co.za.
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