Environmental Health
latest news & developments
Toxic chemicals banned years ago may be finding their way into children's toys, UCT study warns
A new study from the University of Cape Town warns that children's products in South Africa could contain traces of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), toxic chemicals banned…
Oxford study finds world’s highest heat-risk cities concentrated in Asia and Africa
Heat risk is about more than temperature. A new Oxford study of 205 cities found that poverty, limited infrastructure and lack of access to cooling are key factors driving urban…
SA launches first climate and health surveillance platform
The tool allows researchers and policymakers to track links between extreme weather, heatwaves, flooding and health outcomes
1.9 million Cape Town residents face high to very high air pollution risk, new UCT research reveals
More than 40% of Cape Town’s population is exposed to high or very high air pollution risk, according to a new UCT study that reveals sharp environmental inequalities across the…
Residents mull source of pong
People have been reporting strong sulphur odours causing headaches and eye irritation. The city is monitoring air quality while authorities investigate potential Highveld emissions
Environment department warns against using transformer oil on the body over toxic PCB risks
The department has issued a public health warning after reports that transformer oil is being used for medicinal purposes in some communities
Africa’s floods and droughts are messing with our minds. Researchers are trying to figure out how
As climate change intensifies, experts say our health and healthcare systems are going to suffer. But mental health often takes a back seat
Toxic storm brewing in Soweto’s Snake Park neighbourhood
Residents living beside an old mine dump face health problems as floods and heatwaves worsen the dangers of mining pollution
Load-shedding obscures the understanding of South Africa’s air quality
Authorities reported that most air quality monitoring stations were frequently offline due to ongoing power blackouts
Residents warned City of Joburg about deadly Goudkoppies landfill years before murders
The residents live less than 500 metres from the landfill and have, for several years, complained to the city’s various entities.