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Mail & Guardian

Health Risks

latest news & developments
The sulphuric stench that drifted over large parts of Johannesburg last week – described by residents as reeking of “rotten eggs”, “cat urine” and “burning sulphur” – has dissipated.
AIR POLLUTION

“Rotten egg” smell over Joburg highlights toxic air pollution risks

Air pollution in the Highveld Priority Area threatens lives and violates environmental rights, as hydrogen sulphide levels recently spiked over Johannesburg

  • Sheree Bega
9 min read
Love the skin you’re in: A shop sells skin-lightening products in Accra, Ghana. Africa is experiencing a trend of skin bleaching, also called whitening, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Photo: Cristina Aldehuela/Getty Images
AFRICA REGION

Africa wants to ban skin lighteners containing mercury

The use of the toxic products that contain mercury symbolise societies grappling with colourism

  • Sheree Bega
7 min read
Plastic and other waste pollution along the Hennops River. The sewage pollution of the river affects the water quality of the Rietvlei and Hartbeespoort dams. File photo: Delwyn Verasamy/M&G
CITY OF EKURHULENI

There is shit in the Hennops River: ‘No way you can call this water’

E.Coli counts in tributaries feeding the Hennops River run into tens of millions, far above the permitted limit

  • Sheree Bega
7 min read