Wright, Caradee YaelMathee, AngelaKapwata, ThandiLaban, TraceyMahlangeni, NomfundoShezi, BusisiweNkambule, SizweWebster, CandiceNaidoo, NatashaStreet, Renee2025-04-152025-04-152024-12-10Wright, C.Y., Mathee, A., Kapwata, T. et al. 2024, 'The impact of rolling blackouts on environmental health in South Africa', Journal of Health and Pollution, vol. 12, no. 1-4, pp. 015001-1-0155001-7. https://DOI.org/10.1289/JHP10902156-961410.1289/JHP1090http://hdl.handle.net/2263/102112BACKGROUND : Rolling blackouts (planned power outages) are common in low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa. Recently, South Africa has experienced longer and more frequent rolling blackouts owing to its reliance on an aging electricity grid, among other challenges. During rolling blackouts, parts of the electricity grid are shut down, and the loss of power in homes, businesses, and industries across vast areas leads to a breakdown of key amenities required for environmental health. OBJECTIVES : This commentary contextualizes the existing consequences and potential implications of rolling blackouts for environmental health in South Africa. DISCUSSION : We examined key areas where rolling blackouts affect environmental health, including water and sanitation, air quality, food safety, and socioeconomic challenges. Power outages have led to contamination of freshwater bodies with raw sewage due to resultant interruptions of wastewater treatment works. The use of generators and burning of dirty fuels during blackouts have added to outdoor and household air pollution. Rolling blackouts also expose people to unsafe food. Finally, we discuss some ways forward and the benefits of using renewable energy sources. A critical evaluation of these impacts underscores the urgent need for more sustainable energy solutions that safeguard environmental health in South Africa.en© 2024 Tehran University of Medical SciencesRolling blackoutsAging electricity gridSouth Africa (SA)SDG-07: Affordable and clean energyLow- and middle-income countries (LMICs)SDG-12: Responsible consumption and productionSDG-10: Reduced inequalitiesSDG-11: Sustainable cities and communitiesSustainable development goals (SDGs)Article