Learning unit 5
Energy Production and health
5.1 Outcomes
Outcomes are as they are in page 9 of your study guide
5.2 Introduction
Energy is a critical factor in economic and social development. Maxwell(2010: 428) says that
energy production life cycle has health effects, which unfortunately affects low income users
and subject them to immediate and severe health effects. What is of importance in this
learning unit is what is done to minimize or reduce the risk of exposure.
5.3 Energy production and its effects on the environment.
Energy production involves a series of events, from raw materials harvesting, transportation,
fuel production, through energy transmission and consumption up to waste generation and
management. The life cycle of energy production has health effects on human being, even
though some of the events happen distant from energy use. It is important to note that high up
on the energy ladder, energy production far away from the end user and therefore the effects
are removed from the high-income consumers. What is critical here is to know the process
involved in energy production and the related impact on health at each stage. Please refer to
the process of energy production on page 428-429 of the prescribed resource for this learning
unit.
In South Africa pollution of the atmosphere is due to coal, which is used predominantly to
generate electricity in South Africa, specifically used by Eskom power stations. Sasol also
extracts petroleum from coal. Coal is also used in in many settings in our country as energy
source for cooking indoors, and this usually leads to indoor air pollution. Energy used by
vehicles also emits pollutants that are harmful to humans. Firewood is also used in many rural
settings for cooking and warming water. The dangers of radiation due to nuclear power stations
is also highlighted. It is comforting to note that South Africa as a country has prioritized the
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Energy Production and health
5.1 Outcomes
Outcomes are as they are in page 9 of your study guide
5.2 Introduction
Energy is a critical factor in economic and social development. Maxwell(2010: 428) says that
energy production life cycle has health effects, which unfortunately affects low income users
and subject them to immediate and severe health effects. What is of importance in this
learning unit is what is done to minimize or reduce the risk of exposure.
5.3 Energy production and its effects on the environment.
Energy production involves a series of events, from raw materials harvesting, transportation,
fuel production, through energy transmission and consumption up to waste generation and
management. The life cycle of energy production has health effects on human being, even
though some of the events happen distant from energy use. It is important to note that high up
on the energy ladder, energy production far away from the end user and therefore the effects
are removed from the high-income consumers. What is critical here is to know the process
involved in energy production and the related impact on health at each stage. Please refer to
the process of energy production on page 428-429 of the prescribed resource for this learning
unit.
In South Africa pollution of the atmosphere is due to coal, which is used predominantly to
generate electricity in South Africa, specifically used by Eskom power stations. Sasol also
extracts petroleum from coal. Coal is also used in in many settings in our country as energy
source for cooking indoors, and this usually leads to indoor air pollution. Energy used by
vehicles also emits pollutants that are harmful to humans. Firewood is also used in many rural
settings for cooking and warming water. The dangers of radiation due to nuclear power stations
is also highlighted. It is comforting to note that South Africa as a country has prioritized the
1
