Nightclubs and Restaurant Bars Noise Pollution: A Case Study of Melville Community, Johannesburg

The majority of South Africans live in communities that are somewhat exposed to noise pollution. Noise has the capability to cause conflict between those who are generating it and those who are victims of it. People do tolerate noise to a certain extent, but when noise becomes a nuisance it infringes other people’s rights and that can lead to irritation and frustration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of environmental noise pollution emanating from nightclubs and restaurant bars on the community of Melville, Johannesburg. A quantitative research method was followed using a calibrated Sound Level Meter to measure noise at 10 different measuring points. The noise measurements were randomly sampled within the study area on weekends and public holidays during the day from 10h00 to 14h30 and at night from 22h00 to 02h30

Management of fluorescent lamps in public schools within the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area

M.Tech. (Environmental Health)Fluorescent lamps, because of their mercury content, are regarded as hazardous waste and fall under the category of electrical waste. This is due to mercury's toxicological, physical, and chemical or persistence properties, which may have acute or chronic detrimental impact on human health and the environment. This study adopted a quantitative research approach, which aimed at determining how fluorescent lamps are managed in selected public schools. The investigation followed an exploratory design.This research was done under the umbrella of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Urban Health's Health, Environment and Development study. The sample population included 22 public schools, and proportionate purposive sampling was used and data was collected through the use of structured questionnaires and observation checklist. There were no formal gUidelines available for the management of fluorescent lamps in schools as a result improper handling, storage or disposal thereof, poses a health risk to the learners, employees and the environment. The outcome of this study indicated the need of formal guidelines for the management of fluorescent lamps in public schools to the Department of Education, and to produce guidelines for operational procedures

Management of fluorescent lamps in public schools within the Johannesburg metropolitan area

M.Tech.Fluorescent lamps, because of their mercury content, are regarded as hazardous waste and fall under the category of electrical waste. This is due to mercury’s toxicological, physical, and chemical or persistence properties, which may have acute or chronic detrimental impact on human health and the environment. This study adopted a quantitative research approach, which aimed at determining how fluorescent lamps are managed in selected public schools. The investigation followed an exploratory design.This research was done under the umbrella of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Urban Health’s Health, Environment and Development study. The sample population included 22 public schools, and proportionate purposive sampling was used and data was collected through the use of structured questionnaires and observation checklist. There were no formal guidelines available for the management of fluorescent lamps in schools as a result improper handling, storage or disposal thereof, poses a health risk to the learners, employees and the environment. The outcome of this study indicated the need of formal guidelines for the management of fluorescent lamps in public schools to the Department of Education, and to produce guidelines for operational procedures

Environmental health practitioners potentially play a key role in helping communities adapt to climate change

Abstract: Background: Vulnerable population groups in South Africa, especially those living in poverty, young children, women, the elderly and people with pre-existing diseases, are susceptible to new or exacerbated health threats resulting from climate change. Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) can play an important role in helping communities adapt to climate change health impacts, however, effective coordination of this requires further understanding of their roles in implementing climate change-related adaptation actions in communities. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was undertaken at the January 2017 conference for EHPs hosted by the South African Institute of Environmental Health in Cape Town. All EHPs who attended the conference were invited to complete a study questionnaire that requested information on participant demographics, as well as climate change related-knowledge, practices and perceptions. Results: Majority of participating EHPs (n = 48; 72.8%) had received formal or informal training on climate change and health. Thirty-nine percent of EHPs indicated that they had a climate change and health-related committee / working group in their department, a policy or strategy (41.0%) and budget allocated for climate change and health-related work (51.5%). A total of 33.3% had participated in climate change-related projects. Majority (62.2%) of EHPs believed that they should play a supportive role in addressing climate change while 37.8% believed that EHPs should play a leading role. Conclusions: Recognising the need for raising awareness about climate change adaptation as well as implementing appropriate interventions to combat climate-related ill health effects, especially among vulnerable groups, EHPs are wellplaced to adopt significant roles in helping communities to adapt to climate change