The cost of air pollution in South Africa

Developing countries like South Africa have a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, resulting in productivity losses and mortality due to high concentrations of air pollution, namely, fine particulate matter (PM). A recent IGC study indicates that 7.4% of all deaths in South Africa in 2012 were due to chronic exposure to fine PM, costing the country up to 6% of its GDP. High rates of TB and HIV/AIDS infection mean there is a critical need for South Africa-specific studies on the association between air pollution and mortality.