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Earth Focus

Mining Town Children Develop Respiratory Issues

Mbali Mathabule, resident of Emalahleni in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, says she can see, smell and even wipe off black dust from her face. She developed sinus issues while working at one of two mines in the city. Both her son and daughter were diagnosed with asthmatic bronchitis shortly after being born. Doctors say this is very common for children here because the air is so dirty.