19 Jul 2016

Assistant Minister of Health, Dr Alfred Madigele says long term exposure to persistent levels of Sulphur dioxide can affect one’s health.

In response to a parliamentary question, Dr Madigele said scientific evidence indicated that chronic inhalation may lead to chemical pneumonitis, bronchitis, changes in lung function and dental decay.

He said these health effects were usually observed after at least 20-year period of persistent exposure, adding that sulphuric acid is soluble in water; therefore its potency is diluted when mixed with water.

Dr Madigele explained that the potency of water and sulphuric acid when mixed is again dependent upon its concentration strength and the presence of other chemical compounds or impurities.

Therefore he said, the possible health effects of chronic exposure to water contaminated with sulphuric acid has not been scientifically established.

Howevever, he stated that chronic exposure to sulphiric acid only through inhalation may lead to cancers of the upper respiratory tract.

Dr Madigele was responding to Member of Parliament for Mmadinare Mr Kefentse Mzwinila who asked about the possible effects of Sulphur dioxide emitted as smoke particles on public health over a 35 year period of persistent exposure.

Mr Mzwinila also asked on the effects of water contaminated with sulphiric acid on public health over a 35 year period of persistent exposure. ENDS