{
  "id": 6886980,
  "title": "Sasol Secunda pollution linked to around 1,000 deaths a year: Report",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/sasol-secunda-pollution-linked-to-around-1-000-deaths-a-year-report",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T08:00:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/sasol-secunda-pollution-linked-to-around-1000-deaths-a-year-report/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air reveals that pollution from Sasol's Secunda plant could be responsible for around 1,000 deaths each year. The report also cites 260 new cases of childhood asthma annually. Daniel Nesan, the air quality analyst at the center, explains that residents of Johannesburg are used to the occasional sulfurous stench, but those living near Secunda face a more persistent air pollution problem. The analysis found that the facility contributes to about 1000 premature deaths per year and carries a total health-related cost of nearly R19 billion. The study estimates the additional health risk due to exposure to this pollution, which leads to heart and lung conditions. Ultimately, it highlights the broader impact of SA's air pollution on public health.",
  "summary": "According to the report, there are also 260 new childhood asthma cases.",
  "key_points": [
    "Sasol Secunda plant pollution linked to 1,000 annual deaths",
    "260 new cases of childhood asthma attributed to plant emissions",
    "Facility contributes R19 billion in health-related costs annually"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The finding that Sasol's Secunda plant pollution causes around 1,000 deaths annually and incurs R19 billion in health costs underscores the severe public health consequences of South Africa's air pollution.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}