Heat Exposure and Health Risks in the Minibus Taxi Sector in Durban

Exposure to high temperatures is associated with increased risk of dehydration, heat-stroke, exacerbation of existing chronic conditions and in extreme cases, death. Vulnerability to health impacts of heat is influenced by factors that include occupation and the immediate environment. This study investigated how heat inside taxis and taxi ranks impacts the health of taxi drivers to provide evidence to influence policy amendments and build partnerships and coordination across all stakeholders to mitigate against heat-related health risks.

Temperatures inside and outside taxis from the Chesterville Taxi Association (in Durban) were measured hourly for 5 days to assess heat exposure. Indoor and outdoor apparent temperature (a real-feel heat metric) was also calculated to estimate potential health risks. A questionnaire was administered to taxi drivers to understand their perceptions and experiences of heat.

Taxi drivers were exposed to temperatures between 24 – 39°C inside taxis, therefore increasing their risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion which could affect their concentration and thus ability to drive safely. Temperatures above 39°C are associated with heat stress during extended periods of exposure.

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