New Delhi, March 11 -- Residents of district municipalities with coal-powered plants in South Africa face a 6 per cent greater risk of health issues due to air pollution than those in district municipalities without such power plants, as per a study by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).

The report was presented by the council's Climate Change and Health Research Programme at a workshop in Pretoria.

Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause for concern in these areas. The study indicated that children under the age of five are especially at risk, with a notable rise in pneumonia cases.

There is a higher incidence of cleft lip anomalies in babies in districts with coal-fired power plants, indicating considerable air pol...