Exploring the Potential Health Risks Faced by Waste Pickers on Landfills in South Africa: A Socio-Ecological Perspective

Catherina J Schenck; Phillip F Blaauw; Jacoba MM Viljoen; Elizabeth C Swart

doi:10.3390/ijerph16112059

Exploring the Potential Health Risks Faced by Waste Pickers on Landfills in South Africa: A Socio-Ecological Perspective

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16112059 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (11) ◽

pp. 2059 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Catherina J Schenck ◽

Phillip F Blaauw ◽

Jacoba MM Viljoen ◽

Elizabeth C Swart

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Health Risks ◽

Working Environment ◽

Ecological Framework ◽

Potential Health ◽

Mixed Methods Approach ◽

Free Environment ◽

Collaborative Efforts ◽

Material Saving ◽

Waste Pickers

Landfill and street waste pickers in South Africa are responsible for collecting substantial volumes of recyclable material, saving municipalities millions and contributing to a generally healthier and cleaner environment. Yet waste pickers continue to operate on the fringes of the economy and are exposed to many risks, particularly health risks which have a direct impact on the sustainability of their livelihoods. This article, using a mixed-methods approach, explores the health risks to which waste pickers working on nine different landfills in the country are exposed. The socio-ecological framework was used to analyse and present the results. A key finding was that waste picking, by its very nature, lends itself to innumerable health risks, but that these can be lessened through concerted and collaborative efforts on the part of landfill operators, local authorities and other stakeholders. Integrating the ‘self-employed’ waste pickers into the formal waste management system should be comprehensive in order to limit health risks. Waste pickers will never have a risk-free environment, but facilitative policies and supportive institutions can collaboratively help to mitigate these risks and create a more sustainable and dignified working environment towards sustaining their livelihoods.

Download Full-text

Occupational Health Risk of Waste Pickers: A Case Study of Northern Region of South Africa

Journal of Environmental and Public Health ◽

10.1155/2021/5530064 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Solomon E. Uhunamure ◽

Joshua N. Edokpayi ◽

Karabo Shale

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Occupational Health ◽

Health Risks ◽

Low Income ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Limpopo Province ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Landfill Sites ◽

Waste Pickers

In South Africa, waste pickers play a significant role in the management of waste at landfill sites. Waste picking is an income-generating venture for most people with low-income base. The activity of sorting waste at landfill sites is, however, associated with occupational health risks to waste pickers which this study has examined. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey with a convenience sampling method which was conducted among 114 waste pickers in three landfill sites in Limpopo Province of South Africa. A validated questionnaire was used in eliciting responses from the participants. The statistical technique employed includes the ANOVA, simple, and multiple regression. The results indicated that, in the last one year, waste pickers exposed to landfill sites were 1.7 times more likely to develop a common health disorder (AOR: 1.733; 95% CI: 1.069, 2.755; P value: 0.041). There was statistical significance between the number of days worked at the landfill and the health conditions of the waste pickers ( P ≤ 0.001). The cofounders were adjusted for age and years worked, and the result revealed that days worked by the waste pickers’ increased their chances of occupational health risks by 1.4 times. It is unlikely that waste pickers will have a risk-free environment, but supportive policies such as provision of adequate personal protective equipment and more awareness programmes on the health risks related to such enterprises will aid in abating the associated risks.

Download Full-text

Estrogenic activity, selected plasticizers and potential health risks associated with bottled water in South Africa

Journal of Water and Health ◽

10.2166/wh.2018.043 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 253-262 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Natalie H. Aneck-Hahn ◽

Magdalena C. Van Zijl ◽

Pieter Swart ◽

Barry Truebody ◽

Bettina Genthe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Health Risks ◽

Water Consumption ◽

Estrogenic Activity ◽

Solid Phase ◽

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽

Bottled Water ◽

Potential Health ◽

Gene Assay ◽

17Β Estradiol

Abstract Potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are present in bottled water from various countries. In South Africa (SA), increased bottled water consumption and concomitant increases in plastic packaging create important consequences for public health. This study aimed to screen SA bottled water for estrogenic activity, selected target chemicals and assessing potential health risks. Ten bottled water brands were exposed to 20 °C and 40 °C over 10 days. Estrogenic activity was assessed using the recombinant yeast estrogen screen (YES) and the T47D-KBluc reporter gene assay. Solid phase extracts of samples were analyzed for bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), selected phthalates, bisphenol-A (BPA), 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), 17β-estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and ethynylestradiol (EE2) using gas chromatography–mass spectrophotometry. Using a scenario-based health risk assessment, human health risks associated with bottled water consumption were evaluated. Estrogenic activity was detected at 20 °C (n = 2) and at 40 °C (n = 8). Estradiol equivalent (EEq) values ranged from 0.001 to 0.003 ng/L. BPA concentrations ranged from 0.9 ng/L to 10.06 ng/L. Although EEqs and BPA concentrations were higher in bottled water stored at 40 °C compared to 20 °C, samples posed an acceptable risk for a lifetime of exposure. Irrespective of temperature, bottled water from SA contained chemicals with acceptable health risks.

Download Full-text

Short communication: Detection of selected agricultural pesticides in river and tap water in Letsitele, Lomati and Vals–Renoster catchments, South Africa

Water SA ◽

10.17159/wsa/2019.v45.i4.7554 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 45 (4 October) ◽

Author(s):

M Machete ◽

JM Shadung

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Human Health ◽

Health Risks ◽

Tap Water ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Health And Environmental Effects ◽

Potential Health ◽

High Exposure ◽

Agricultural Pesticides ◽

Catchment Areas

This paper presents the levels of detection of selected agricultural pesticides in river and tap water in the Letsitele, Lomati and Vals–Renoster catchments, South Africa. Agriculture plays a major role in the development of communities through job creation and poverty eradication. However, exposure to agricultural pesticides can result in serious human health and environmental effects. This study, therefore, identified critical areas where specific pesticides might result in high environmental and human health risks. Three water catchment areas, namely, Letsitele, Lomati and Vals–Renoster, were identified for raw and tap water analysis. The results confirmed the presence of selected agricultural pesticides: atrazine, terbuthylazine, imidacloprid, metolachlor, simazine and alachlor. Although low concentrations of most of these pesticides were detected, pesticides such as atrazine, alachlor and simazine are known for endocrine disruption. A critical finding of this study is the detection of these pesticides in tap water (drinking water) of a primary school in the Lomati catchment. This reveals a high exposure potential for human health. It is thus recommended that further research be conducted to determine the potential health risks associated with these pesticides among vulnerable communities, through epidemiological studies.

Download Full-text

Potential Health Risks Posed by Plant-Derived Cumulative Neurotoxic Bufadienolides in South Africa

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules21030348 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 348 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Christo Botha

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Health Risks ◽

Potential Health

Download Full-text

441. A Comparison of 8 Preferred/Recommended EPA Atmospheric Dispersion Models Used to Estimate Potential Health Risks from Process Emissions

10.3320/1.2766392 ◽

2002 ◽

Author(s):

R. Clinkenbeard ◽

T. Hall

Keyword(s):

Health Risks ◽

Atmospheric Dispersion ◽

Dispersion Models ◽

Potential Health ◽

Atmospheric Dispersion Models

Download Full-text

Ascertaining the Role of Leadership on Employee Satisfaction in Market and Social Research Industries in Gauteng Province of South Africa Using Qualitative Research

International Journal on Leadership ◽

10.21863/ijl/2015.3.2.009 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Kingstone Mutsonziwa ◽

Philip Serumaga-Zake

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Employee Satisfaction ◽

Quantitative Research ◽

Social Research ◽

Labour Productivity ◽

Working Environment ◽

Gauteng Province ◽

Career Growth ◽

Quantitative Results ◽

Mixed Approach

This paper is based on the study a Doctor of Business Leadership (DBL) thesis titled A Statistical Model for Employee Satisfaction in the Market and Social Research Industries in Gauteng Province. The purpose of this study was to identify the attributes that affect employee satisfaction in the Market and Social Research Industries in Gauteng Province, South Africa. In order to address the overall objective of this study, the researcher used a two-tiered (mixed) approach in which both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were used to complement and enrich the results. This paper is only based on the qualitative component of the study on leadership aspects based on six leaders (two from Social research and four from Market research) that were interviewed. The leaders were selected based on their knowledge of the industry and the expertise they have. Participation in the survey was voluntary. This paper illustrates the power of the qualitative techniques to uncover or unmask the leadership aspects in the Market and Social Research Industries and also gives the human touch to the quantitative results. It was found that leadership and management within the Market and Social Research Industries in Gauteng Province must ensure that they are accommodative in terms of mentoring their subordinates. The industry is driven by quality driven processes and strong leadership. More importantly, issues of a good working environment, remuneration, career growth, and recognition must always be addressed in order to increase employee satisfaction, reduce staff turnover, and attempt to optimize labour productivity. The qualitative findings also help a deeper understanding of leadership within the industry.

Download Full-text

Placenta-Expanded Stromal Cell Therapy in a Rodent Model of Simulated Weightlessness

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells10040940 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 940

Author(s):

Linda Rubinstein ◽

Amber M. Paul ◽

Charles Houseman ◽

Metadel Abegaz ◽

Steffy Tabares Ruiz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Risks ◽

Stromal Cells ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Medical Intervention ◽

Hindlimb Unloading ◽

Simulated Weightlessness ◽

Potential Health ◽

Long Duration ◽

Induced Changes ◽

Splenic Atrophy

Long duration spaceflight poses potential health risks to astronauts during flight and re-adaptation after return to Earth. There is an emerging need for NASA to provide successful and reliable therapeutics for long duration missions when capability for medical intervention will be limited. Clinically relevant, human placenta-derived therapeutic stromal cells (PLX-PAD) are a promising therapeutic alternative. We found that treatment of adult female mice with PLX-PAD near the onset of simulated weightlessness by hindlimb unloading (HU, 30 d) was well-tolerated and partially mitigated decrements caused by HU. Specifically, PLX-PAD treatment rescued HU-induced thymic atrophy, and mitigated HU-induced changes in percentages of circulating neutrophils, but did not rescue changes in the percentages of lymphocytes, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, T-cells and splenic atrophy. Further, PLX-PAD partially mitigated HU effects on the expression of select cytokines in the hippocampus. In contrast, PLX-PAD failed to protect bone and muscle from HU-induced effects, suggesting that the mechanisms which regulate the structure of these mechanosensitive tissues in response to disuse are discrete from those that regulate the immune- and central nervous system (CNS). These findings support the therapeutic potential of placenta-derived stromal cells for select physiological deficits during simulated spaceflight. Multiple countermeasures are likely needed for comprehensive protection from the deleterious effects of prolonged spaceflight.

Download Full-text

Multidrug-Resistant Listeria Species Shows Abundance in Environmental Waters of a Key District Municipality in South Africa

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020481 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 481

Author(s):

Liyabona Mpondo ◽

Kingsley Ehi Ebomah ◽

Anthony Ifeanyi Okoh

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Surface Waters ◽

Multidrug Resistant ◽

Eastern Cape ◽

Environmental Waters ◽

Potential Health ◽

Phenotypic Resistance ◽

Listeria Species ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Identification And Characterization

The prevalence of bacteria with multidrug-resistance (MDR) is a significant threat to public health globally. Listeria spp. are naturally ubiquitous, with L. monocytogenes particularly being ranked as important foodborne disease-causing microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and determine the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of multidrug-resistant Listeria spp. (MDRL) isolated from different environmental samples (river and irrigation water) in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM), Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South Africa. Molecular identification and characterization were carried out using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and isolates that exhibited phenotypic resistance were further screened for relevant antimicrobial-resistant genes (ARGs). Findings revealed a total of 124 presumptive Listeria isolates; 69 were molecularly confirmed Listeria species. Out of the confirmed species, 41 isolates (59%) were classified as L. monocytogenes while 9 (13%) were classified as L. welshimeri. All Listeria spp. exhibited phenotypic resistance against ampicillin, penicillin, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and further screening revealed ARGs in the following proportions: sulI (71%), blaTEM (66%), tetA (63%), and blaCIT (33%). Results confirmed the occurrence of ARGs among Listeria inhabiting surface waters of ECP. The present study indicates that the river water samples collected from SBDM are highly contaminated with MDRL, hence, constituting a potential health risk.

Download Full-text

Impact of Bacillus in fermented soybean foods on human health

Annals of Microbiology ◽

10.1186/s13213-021-01641-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 71 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Trishala Gopikrishna ◽

Harini Keerthana Suresh Kumar ◽

Kumar Perumal ◽

Elavarashi Elangovan

Keyword(s):

Human Health ◽

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Health Risks ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Potential Health ◽

Fermented Soybean ◽

Food Pathogens ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Fermented Soybean Foods

Abstract Purpose Fermented soybean foods (FSF) is popularly consumed in the South-East Asian countries. Bacillus species, a predominant microorganism present in these foods, have demonstrated beneficial and deleterious impacts on human health. These microorganisms produce bioactive compounds during fermentation that have beneficial impacts in improving human health. However, the health risks associated with FSF, food pathogens, biogenic amines (BAs) production, and late-onset anaphylaxis, remain a concern. The purpose of this review is to present an in-depth analysis of positive and negative impacts as a result of consumption of FSF along with the measures to alleviate health risks for human consumption. Methods This review was composed by scrutinizing contemporary literature of peer-reviewed publications related to Bacillus and FSF. Based on the results from academic journals, this review paper was categorized into FSF, role of Bacillus species in these foods, process of fermentation, beneficial, and adverse influence of these foods along with methods to improve food safety. Special emphasis was given to the potential benefits of bioactive compounds released during fermentation of soybean by Bacillus species. Results The nutritional and functional properties of FSF are well-appreciated, due to the release of peptides and mucilage, which have shown health benefits: in managing cardiac disease, gastric disease, cancer, allergies, hepatic disease, obesity, immune disorders, and especially microbial infections due to the presence of probiotic property, which is a potential alternative to antibiotics. Efficient interventions were established to mitigate pitfalls like the techniques to reduce BAs and food pathogens and by using a defined starter culture to improve the safety and quality of these foods. Conclusion Despite some of the detrimental effects produced by these foods, potential health benefits have been observed. Therefore, soybean foods fermented by Bacillus can be a promising food by integrating effective measures for maintaining safety and quality for human consumption. Further, in vivo analysis on the activity and dietary interventions of bioactive compounds among animal models and human volunteers are yet to be achieved which is essential to commercialize them for safe consumption by humans, especially immunocompromised patients.

Download Full-text