Air pollution

Air Pollution is the introduction of substances or surplus energy as waste products of human activities into the atmosphere which directly or indirectly adversely alter or destroy the quality of the environment or cause undesirable effects on man, animals, vegetation or materials. The wastes may be gaseous or particulate emissions.

In recent years Zimbabwe has experienced a rapid expansion in the national vehicle population, increased investment in the manufacturing sector and higher energy demand. These have resulted in high emission rates of major air pollutants resulting in a deterioration of the ambient air quality especially in the major cities of Harare,Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and Kwekwe.

Industrial emission

Zimbabwean industries are located in the large cities namely Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and Kwekwe. Typical examples of industrial emissions include sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), and volatile organic compounds (VOC) and particulate matter. Most of emissions originate from industrial processes such as metallurgical plants and smelters, chemical plants and petroleum refineries, cement production, fertilizer and synthetic rubber manufacturing, pulp and paper milling. Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, etc.) are emitted from smelters, brass works and secondary lead plants and coal combustion. 

The area of concern is the location of the industries in many cities. Many industries are situated between residential areas and any pollutants emitted by the industries are dispersed and eventually deposited in the residential areas resulting in serious impacts on the health of the residents. For example the heavy industries in Harare are situated to the east of the densely populated areas of the city. The wind blows from east to west during most the year and so the pollutants are carried and eventually deposit in the main residential areas. The same situation exists in Gweru and Kwekwe where the large smelters are very close to the residential areas.