South Africa Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅) Level
See Air Quality ofSouth Africa
MapSouth Africa
South Africa 2019 PM2.5 Death Toll
PM2.5 annual mean levels
29µg/m³
each person's annual mean exposure 5.8 times WHO's guideline.
45
Deaths per 100,000 people
attributable to fine particle pollution in 2019 (24,780 in total in the country).
Death percentage as per diseases
stroke
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Type 2 Diabetes
ischemic heart disease
tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer
lower respiratory infections
neonatal disorders
PM2.5 particles, with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, are approximately 30 times smaller than a human hair, making them a significant yet often unseen threat to air quality.
Most Polluted Cities 2026
South Africa
Analyze the real-time most air polluted cities in the country.
Standard Value
1.
Paarl, Western Cape
Moderate
2xabove Standard
2.
Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng
Moderate
2xabove Standard
3.
Cape Town, Western Cape
Moderate
2xabove Standard
4.
Springs, Gauteng
Good
2xabove Standard
5.
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal
Good
1xabove Standard
6.
Sandton, Gauteng
Good
1xabove Standard
7.
Klerksdorp, North West
Good
1xabove Standard
8.
Rustenburg, North West
Good
1xabove Standard
9.
Polokwane, Limpopo
Good
1xequal Standard
10.
Alberton, Gauteng
Good
1xbelow Standard
Last Updated: 01 Aug 2026, 06:01 AM
AQI City RankingsUncovering the Sources of Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅): Where Does It Come From?
Windblown Dust
Daily activities like construction or other practices
Home-related emission
Household activities, such as cooking and heating
Factories and industries' emission
Regular operations in factories and industries
Power plants generation
Emission from Routine energy production in power plants
Landfill fires
Fires in landfills, often caused by waste mismanagement
Transportation emission
Diesel operated Daily vehicles produces exhaust
Human-caused emissions
Common practices like open burning of waste or agricultural residuesShort-Term PM₂.₅ Exposure Impacts
Irritation in Eyes
Redness, itching, and discomfort in your eyes
Headaches
Frequent or intense headaches.
Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired or weak.
Aggravated asthma
Increased asthma attacks and symptoms.
Breathing problems
Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.Why you should care about Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅)?
Know More About PM₂.₅ Sensor
