A review on residential exposure to electromagnetic fields from overhead power lines : electrification as a health burden in rural communities
- Rathebe, Phoka C., Modisane, Dineo S., Rampedi, Maite B.
- Authors: Rathebe, Phoka C. , Modisane, Dineo S. , Rampedi, Maite B.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: electromagnetic fields , Health effects , Power lines
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/409603 , uj:34343 , Citation: Rathebe, P.C., Modisane, D.S. & Rampedi, M.B. 2019. A review on residential exposure to electromagnetic fields from overhead power lines : electrification as a health burden in rural communities.
- Description: Abstract: Electrification has improved millions of lives over the years. With the benefit of electricity comes the emission of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from power lines, substations, electrical home appliances and railways. There have been studies done to associate exposure to EMFs with the development of health effects such as cancer and transient biological effects. The aim of this paper is to provide discourse on the association between EMFs and cancer, not excluding other severe health effects such as cognitive impairment and preterm labor in pregnant women. In this paper, google scholar, science direct and PubMed were used to search for literature. Out of thirty articles, fifteen were selected and used to compile this paper. These articles revealed that studies in the past have found conflicting results from research conducted globally. Eight articles out of the fifteen found a link between exposure to EMFs and leukemia as well as impaired neurobehavioral function in children. Six articles found a statistically insignificant association, with one article being inconclusive. World Health Organization (WHO) found a link between childhood Leukemia and EMFs, bringing it into the attention for more research to be done to confirm this association. Based on the evidence, epidemiological studies need to be done and address the data scarcity relating to EMFs from power lines; especially in the South African context.
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- Authors: Rathebe, Phoka C. , Modisane, Dineo S. , Rampedi, Maite B.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: electromagnetic fields , Health effects , Power lines
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/409603 , uj:34343 , Citation: Rathebe, P.C., Modisane, D.S. & Rampedi, M.B. 2019. A review on residential exposure to electromagnetic fields from overhead power lines : electrification as a health burden in rural communities.
- Description: Abstract: Electrification has improved millions of lives over the years. With the benefit of electricity comes the emission of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from power lines, substations, electrical home appliances and railways. There have been studies done to associate exposure to EMFs with the development of health effects such as cancer and transient biological effects. The aim of this paper is to provide discourse on the association between EMFs and cancer, not excluding other severe health effects such as cognitive impairment and preterm labor in pregnant women. In this paper, google scholar, science direct and PubMed were used to search for literature. Out of thirty articles, fifteen were selected and used to compile this paper. These articles revealed that studies in the past have found conflicting results from research conducted globally. Eight articles out of the fifteen found a link between exposure to EMFs and leukemia as well as impaired neurobehavioral function in children. Six articles found a statistically insignificant association, with one article being inconclusive. World Health Organization (WHO) found a link between childhood Leukemia and EMFs, bringing it into the attention for more research to be done to confirm this association. Based on the evidence, epidemiological studies need to be done and address the data scarcity relating to EMFs from power lines; especially in the South African context.
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Household fuel use and prevalence of reported allergic rhinitis in rural areas of Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Bidassey-Manilal, Shalin, Mbonane, Thokozani P., Rathebe, Phoka C., Senekane, Mpinane F.
- Authors: Bidassey-Manilal, Shalin , Mbonane, Thokozani P. , Rathebe, Phoka C. , Senekane, Mpinane F.
- Subjects: Allergic rhinitis , Biomass indoor air pollution , Rural areas
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404937 , uj:33981 , Citation: Bidassey-Manilal, S. et al. 2019 : Household fuel use and prevalence of reported allergic rhinitis in rural areas of Mpumalanga, South Africa.
- Description: Abstract : Household air pollution (HAP) exposure caused by burning of solid fuels during cooking and heating is associated with adverse health impacts. Such effects include respiratory allergic reactions and asthma. Most households in South Africa use mainly firewood and animal biomass for cooking. The use of traditional fuel for cooking and heating has been associated with allergic rhinitis especially in rural areas of South Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted were 167 households were randomly selected after different locations were stratified. A questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions adopted from International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was used. Data was analysed using SPSS logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of household reported allergic rhinitis in the different locations were Bhubhane (64%), Mahlabatsini (53%), Masakeni (50%), Babrook (48%), KaJohn (34%) and KaDukies (23%). Allergic rhinitis was significantly associated with the use of coal, wood and kerosene. We did not find any association between allergic rhinitis and the use of charcoal and animal dung. The study showed a high prevalence of household-reported allergic rhinitis amongst children in rural areas. The findings indicate the role of particulate matter from burning traditional fuel indoors as a risk factor to allergic rhinitis.
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- Authors: Bidassey-Manilal, Shalin , Mbonane, Thokozani P. , Rathebe, Phoka C. , Senekane, Mpinane F.
- Subjects: Allergic rhinitis , Biomass indoor air pollution , Rural areas
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404937 , uj:33981 , Citation: Bidassey-Manilal, S. et al. 2019 : Household fuel use and prevalence of reported allergic rhinitis in rural areas of Mpumalanga, South Africa.
- Description: Abstract : Household air pollution (HAP) exposure caused by burning of solid fuels during cooking and heating is associated with adverse health impacts. Such effects include respiratory allergic reactions and asthma. Most households in South Africa use mainly firewood and animal biomass for cooking. The use of traditional fuel for cooking and heating has been associated with allergic rhinitis especially in rural areas of South Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted were 167 households were randomly selected after different locations were stratified. A questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions adopted from International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was used. Data was analysed using SPSS logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of household reported allergic rhinitis in the different locations were Bhubhane (64%), Mahlabatsini (53%), Masakeni (50%), Babrook (48%), KaJohn (34%) and KaDukies (23%). Allergic rhinitis was significantly associated with the use of coal, wood and kerosene. We did not find any association between allergic rhinitis and the use of charcoal and animal dung. The study showed a high prevalence of household-reported allergic rhinitis amongst children in rural areas. The findings indicate the role of particulate matter from burning traditional fuel indoors as a risk factor to allergic rhinitis.
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Noise exposure among dental assisting students from dental instruments during work-integrated learning : a review
- Mosoeu, Lerato G., Weyers, Carien, Rathebe, Phoka C.
- Authors: Mosoeu, Lerato G. , Weyers, Carien , Rathebe, Phoka C.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Adverse health impacts , Health risk , Hazardous noise
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/407065 , uj:34249 , Citation: Mosoeu, L.G., Weyers, C. & Rathebe, P.C. 2019. Noise exposure among dental assisting students from dental instruments during work-integrated learning : a review.
- Description: Abstract: The purpose of the review is to provide the interlocution on the effects of noise on the hearing levels of dental assisting students from dental instruments during work-integrated learning. Primarily, this review provides knowledge on the health and safety within dental practices and laboratories where dental assisting students undergoing practical sessions and/or work- integrated learning and subsequently initiate and develop understanding on the effects on hearing levels. And to identify those dental instruments that have noise level which may potentiate the hearing levels of dental students. Exposure to high levels of noise has been a well-known cause of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Several studies have been completed to determine the effects of noise in dental schools for dental students. Moreover, research has implicated old drills and dental instruments as common causes of noise and this noise can be extremely high, up to 100dB occasionally, and exceeding recommended maximum levels. Many of studies have examined that noise found in a dental practices exceeds exposure limits guidelines...
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- Authors: Mosoeu, Lerato G. , Weyers, Carien , Rathebe, Phoka C.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Adverse health impacts , Health risk , Hazardous noise
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/407065 , uj:34249 , Citation: Mosoeu, L.G., Weyers, C. & Rathebe, P.C. 2019. Noise exposure among dental assisting students from dental instruments during work-integrated learning : a review.
- Description: Abstract: The purpose of the review is to provide the interlocution on the effects of noise on the hearing levels of dental assisting students from dental instruments during work-integrated learning. Primarily, this review provides knowledge on the health and safety within dental practices and laboratories where dental assisting students undergoing practical sessions and/or work- integrated learning and subsequently initiate and develop understanding on the effects on hearing levels. And to identify those dental instruments that have noise level which may potentiate the hearing levels of dental students. Exposure to high levels of noise has been a well-known cause of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Several studies have been completed to determine the effects of noise in dental schools for dental students. Moreover, research has implicated old drills and dental instruments as common causes of noise and this noise can be extremely high, up to 100dB occasionally, and exceeding recommended maximum levels. Many of studies have examined that noise found in a dental practices exceeds exposure limits guidelines...
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Occupational exposure to RF energy and SMFs in MRI units within Mangaung metropolitan region : a study protocol
- Authors: Rathebe, Phoka C.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: MRI staff , Exposure assessment , Exposure effects
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/409611 , uj:34344 , Citation: Rathebe, P.C. 2019. Occupational exposure to RF energy and SMFs in MRI units within Mangaung metropolitan region : a study protocol.
- Description: Abstract: Through exposure assessments, many studies in American and European countries have associated exposure to static magnetic fields with transient health effects, RF fields with thermal effects and time varying magnetic fields with motion induced effects amongst MRI staff. Literature on the long-term health implications is inconclusive. In South African, MRI staff are exposed to electromagnetic fields from MRI scanners and no exposure assessments have been conducted to quantify the levels. The aim of this study is to investigate the exposure levels of SM and RF fields in MRI units, and to assess the health effects resulting from exposure to SM and RF fields among MRI staff. This study is cross sectional and descriptive in nature. Measurements will be collected from two 1.5 Ts and one 3 T scanners in two academic hospitals. A THM1176 3-Axis hall magnetometer will be used to quantify the exposure levels of SMFs while TM-196 3 Axis RF Field strength meter will be used to measure RF fields. The SMF measurements will be taken per distance interim; 1 and 2 m away from the scanners when brain, cervical spine and extremities are scanned. RF fields’ measurements will be collected 1 m away from the scanners when patients are examined. Questionnaires will be administered on 42 MRI workers works with 1.5 and 3T MRI scanners. Ethical clearance and permission have been obtained. Data will be analyzed by SAS version 9.2. Categorical and numerical data will be calculated, chi-square test will also be used to test for differences between proportions. ANOVA will be used to compare the mean values and Mann-Whitney U-test will be used to compare median values. A significance level (α) of 0.05 will be used. The results from this study will be used to inform health policies related to MRI fields’ exposures in South Africa and to inform hierarchy of control measures that aims to reduce exposure-related effects. The occurrence of exposure-related effects among MRI staff has not yet been extensively studied in South Africa, and this study seeks to provide the exposure scenarios in the South African health care settings.
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- Authors: Rathebe, Phoka C.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: MRI staff , Exposure assessment , Exposure effects
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/409611 , uj:34344 , Citation: Rathebe, P.C. 2019. Occupational exposure to RF energy and SMFs in MRI units within Mangaung metropolitan region : a study protocol.
- Description: Abstract: Through exposure assessments, many studies in American and European countries have associated exposure to static magnetic fields with transient health effects, RF fields with thermal effects and time varying magnetic fields with motion induced effects amongst MRI staff. Literature on the long-term health implications is inconclusive. In South African, MRI staff are exposed to electromagnetic fields from MRI scanners and no exposure assessments have been conducted to quantify the levels. The aim of this study is to investigate the exposure levels of SM and RF fields in MRI units, and to assess the health effects resulting from exposure to SM and RF fields among MRI staff. This study is cross sectional and descriptive in nature. Measurements will be collected from two 1.5 Ts and one 3 T scanners in two academic hospitals. A THM1176 3-Axis hall magnetometer will be used to quantify the exposure levels of SMFs while TM-196 3 Axis RF Field strength meter will be used to measure RF fields. The SMF measurements will be taken per distance interim; 1 and 2 m away from the scanners when brain, cervical spine and extremities are scanned. RF fields’ measurements will be collected 1 m away from the scanners when patients are examined. Questionnaires will be administered on 42 MRI workers works with 1.5 and 3T MRI scanners. Ethical clearance and permission have been obtained. Data will be analyzed by SAS version 9.2. Categorical and numerical data will be calculated, chi-square test will also be used to test for differences between proportions. ANOVA will be used to compare the mean values and Mann-Whitney U-test will be used to compare median values. A significance level (α) of 0.05 will be used. The results from this study will be used to inform health policies related to MRI fields’ exposures in South Africa and to inform hierarchy of control measures that aims to reduce exposure-related effects. The occurrence of exposure-related effects among MRI staff has not yet been extensively studied in South Africa, and this study seeks to provide the exposure scenarios in the South African health care settings.
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Occupational exposure to static magnetic fields from MRI units in health care settings : a narrative review
- Authors: Rathebe, Phoka C.
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/396381 , uj:32908 , Rathebe, P.C. 2019. Occupational exposure to static magnetic fields from MRI units in health care settings : a narrative review
- Description: Abstract : This paper provides an informed discussion on the state of occupational exposure to static magnetic fields emitted by MRI units, particularly from health care settings. The purpose is to create an understanding on the occupational health implications that develops as a result of exposure to electromagnetic fields from working with MRI scanners. The discussion is based on the biological effects, static magnetic fields exposure limits by ICNIRP, projectile effects based on the strength of the magnet and lastly the magnitude and extend to which MRI staff is exposed. In this review, the author recognizes that there is a shortage of literature that outlines the quantification of exposure from different MRI units when interventional examinations are performed. Furthermore, there is also a scarcity of information on the long-term health effects of exposure to static magnetic fields and the association between magnitude, frequency as well as duration of exposure.
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- Authors: Rathebe, Phoka C.
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/396381 , uj:32908 , Rathebe, P.C. 2019. Occupational exposure to static magnetic fields from MRI units in health care settings : a narrative review
- Description: Abstract : This paper provides an informed discussion on the state of occupational exposure to static magnetic fields emitted by MRI units, particularly from health care settings. The purpose is to create an understanding on the occupational health implications that develops as a result of exposure to electromagnetic fields from working with MRI scanners. The discussion is based on the biological effects, static magnetic fields exposure limits by ICNIRP, projectile effects based on the strength of the magnet and lastly the magnitude and extend to which MRI staff is exposed. In this review, the author recognizes that there is a shortage of literature that outlines the quantification of exposure from different MRI units when interventional examinations are performed. Furthermore, there is also a scarcity of information on the long-term health effects of exposure to static magnetic fields and the association between magnitude, frequency as well as duration of exposure.
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Shielding as an effective engineering control for occupational exposure to MRI-related electromagnetic fields : a brief review
- Authors: Rathebe, Phoka C.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Engineering , Health effects , Magnetic resonance imaging
- Language: English
- Type: Conference Proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/426619 , uj:36600 , Rathebe, P.C., 2020: Shielding as an effective engineering control for occupational exposure to MRI-related electromagnetic fields : a brief review.
- Description: Abstract: Electromagnetic fields emitted by magnetic resonance imaging scanners are accountable for transient exposure-related health effects. The ferromagnetic objects attracted by strong magnetic fields are ascribed to injuries among patients with relatively no literature suggesting safety risks to MRI staff. Although ferromagnetic objects are ballistic, the benefits of shielding materials integrated with copper, aluminum, nickel polymers and carbon fiber are considered significant. This paper aimed to provide a brief review on how electromagnetic fields emitted by magnetic resonance imaging scanners could cause exposure-related effects as well as safety injuries from projectile effects and how such exposure scenarios can be eluded using various shielding methods. In this paper, shielding is recognized as an engineering approach that provides the most effective attenuation for electromagnetic fields in the magnetic resonance imaging facilities. Several studies suggest that shielding materials could be approached, either in a form of films, shield specific paint products or reactive shielding methods and in this paper, their significant role is discussed.
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- Authors: Rathebe, Phoka C.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Engineering , Health effects , Magnetic resonance imaging
- Language: English
- Type: Conference Proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/426619 , uj:36600 , Rathebe, P.C., 2020: Shielding as an effective engineering control for occupational exposure to MRI-related electromagnetic fields : a brief review.
- Description: Abstract: Electromagnetic fields emitted by magnetic resonance imaging scanners are accountable for transient exposure-related health effects. The ferromagnetic objects attracted by strong magnetic fields are ascribed to injuries among patients with relatively no literature suggesting safety risks to MRI staff. Although ferromagnetic objects are ballistic, the benefits of shielding materials integrated with copper, aluminum, nickel polymers and carbon fiber are considered significant. This paper aimed to provide a brief review on how electromagnetic fields emitted by magnetic resonance imaging scanners could cause exposure-related effects as well as safety injuries from projectile effects and how such exposure scenarios can be eluded using various shielding methods. In this paper, shielding is recognized as an engineering approach that provides the most effective attenuation for electromagnetic fields in the magnetic resonance imaging facilities. Several studies suggest that shielding materials could be approached, either in a form of films, shield specific paint products or reactive shielding methods and in this paper, their significant role is discussed.
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Stakeholders initiative in reducing mortality rates in traditional initiations schools in South Africa : a reflection paper
- Mothosola, Whitney, Rathebe, Phoka C., Mokoatle, Charlotte M.
- Authors: Mothosola, Whitney , Rathebe, Phoka C. , Mokoatle, Charlotte M.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Traditional initiation schools , Mortality rates , Government responsibilities
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/409595 , uj:34342 , Citation: Mothosola, W., Rathebe, P.C. & Mokoatle, C.M. 2019. Stakeholders initiative in reducing mortality rates in traditional initiations schools in South Africa : a reflection paper.
- Description: Abstract: This paper reflects the joint role of government, parents and the traditional custodians in reducing the high rates of mortality in the traditional initiation schools of South Africa. The main argument raised by this paper is that, traditional initiation schools are very important as they symbolize and signifies the traditional teachings and education employed when initiating young boys to manhood. Many authors recognize that accurate custom practices in initiation could reduce high number of deaths especially in the AmaXhosa clan. However, the solution towards problem in question should be applied across different clan where initiation schools are common in South Africa, and such include the involvement of government to support with legislative framework, traditional custodian to provide guidance and parents to provide necessary support where it is deemed essential for children to attend initiation schools.
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- Authors: Mothosola, Whitney , Rathebe, Phoka C. , Mokoatle, Charlotte M.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Traditional initiation schools , Mortality rates , Government responsibilities
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/409595 , uj:34342 , Citation: Mothosola, W., Rathebe, P.C. & Mokoatle, C.M. 2019. Stakeholders initiative in reducing mortality rates in traditional initiations schools in South Africa : a reflection paper.
- Description: Abstract: This paper reflects the joint role of government, parents and the traditional custodians in reducing the high rates of mortality in the traditional initiation schools of South Africa. The main argument raised by this paper is that, traditional initiation schools are very important as they symbolize and signifies the traditional teachings and education employed when initiating young boys to manhood. Many authors recognize that accurate custom practices in initiation could reduce high number of deaths especially in the AmaXhosa clan. However, the solution towards problem in question should be applied across different clan where initiation schools are common in South Africa, and such include the involvement of government to support with legislative framework, traditional custodian to provide guidance and parents to provide necessary support where it is deemed essential for children to attend initiation schools.
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The effectiveness of solar water heating geysers in South Africa : a review
- Thobejane, Jackson S., Masekameni, Daniel M., Rathebe, Phoka C., Mgwambani, Shalala L.
- Authors: Thobejane, Jackson S. , Masekameni, Daniel M. , Rathebe, Phoka C. , Mgwambani, Shalala L.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Solar water heating geysers , Renewable energy , Energy efficiency
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceeding
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/395692 , uj:32824 , Citation: Thobejane, J.S. et al. 2019. The effectiveness of solar water heating geysers in South Africa : a review.
- Description: Abstract: The heating of water for domestic purposes is an important component of human daily activities, especially during cold weather conditions. In South Africa, it is estimated that households spend an average of 40% of their electricity on domestic water heating alone. This alone threatens energy affordability and access due to the high cost of electricity. The South African government seeing that the majority of low-income households do not afford electricity, introduced solar water heating (SWH) geysers as a possible affordable energy alternative technology. The massive roll-out of the solar water geysers began in 2008 managed to install 443 486 SWH geysers. This desktop study is envisaged to evaluate the implementation of the strategy and ends by investigating the effectiveness of the SWH geysers on reducing household grid energy demand between 2009 and 2017. The results of this study will illustrate the effectiveness, failures, successes or future approaches evolving around this technology.
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- Authors: Thobejane, Jackson S. , Masekameni, Daniel M. , Rathebe, Phoka C. , Mgwambani, Shalala L.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Solar water heating geysers , Renewable energy , Energy efficiency
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceeding
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/395692 , uj:32824 , Citation: Thobejane, J.S. et al. 2019. The effectiveness of solar water heating geysers in South Africa : a review.
- Description: Abstract: The heating of water for domestic purposes is an important component of human daily activities, especially during cold weather conditions. In South Africa, it is estimated that households spend an average of 40% of their electricity on domestic water heating alone. This alone threatens energy affordability and access due to the high cost of electricity. The South African government seeing that the majority of low-income households do not afford electricity, introduced solar water heating (SWH) geysers as a possible affordable energy alternative technology. The massive roll-out of the solar water geysers began in 2008 managed to install 443 486 SWH geysers. This desktop study is envisaged to evaluate the implementation of the strategy and ends by investigating the effectiveness of the SWH geysers on reducing household grid energy demand between 2009 and 2017. The results of this study will illustrate the effectiveness, failures, successes or future approaches evolving around this technology.
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The role of environmental health in the Basotho male initiation schools: neglected or restricted?
- Authors: Rathebe, Phoka C.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Environmental health , Initiation schools , Initiates
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/274768 , uj:29330 , Citation: Rathebe, P.C. 2018. The role of environmental health in the Basotho male initiation schools: neglected or restricted?. Rathebe BMC Public Health (2018) 18:994 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5936-1.
- Description: Abstract: The aim of this paper is to point the Environmental Health (EH) profession in South Africa in the direction of their neglected function. The health inspection of initiation schools is one of the abandoned responsibility of EH profession in South Africa. This is due to fear of interfering with the traditional value systems and thus resulting in significant non-compliance to EH norms and standards. Little information is available on the compliance rate of EH requirements in the African traditional initiation schools. South African National Department of Health states that EHPs have an obligation to protect the health, safety and well-being of citizens from the environmental determinants, and this is achieved through enforcing the health requirements. In terms of the norms and standards for EH, health education in initiation schools should form an integral part of monitoring and evaluation, and this is found under the health surveillance of premises. The main argument raised by this paper is negligence of EHPs to conduct EH inspections at the Basotho male initiation schools and to promote health in support of the constitution of South Africa. Negligence of EHPs to perform their duties result in deaths and fatal injuries among initiates and this indicates the need for health promotion and EH research in the Basotho male initiation schools.
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- Authors: Rathebe, Phoka C.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Environmental health , Initiation schools , Initiates
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/274768 , uj:29330 , Citation: Rathebe, P.C. 2018. The role of environmental health in the Basotho male initiation schools: neglected or restricted?. Rathebe BMC Public Health (2018) 18:994 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5936-1.
- Description: Abstract: The aim of this paper is to point the Environmental Health (EH) profession in South Africa in the direction of their neglected function. The health inspection of initiation schools is one of the abandoned responsibility of EH profession in South Africa. This is due to fear of interfering with the traditional value systems and thus resulting in significant non-compliance to EH norms and standards. Little information is available on the compliance rate of EH requirements in the African traditional initiation schools. South African National Department of Health states that EHPs have an obligation to protect the health, safety and well-being of citizens from the environmental determinants, and this is achieved through enforcing the health requirements. In terms of the norms and standards for EH, health education in initiation schools should form an integral part of monitoring and evaluation, and this is found under the health surveillance of premises. The main argument raised by this paper is negligence of EHPs to conduct EH inspections at the Basotho male initiation schools and to promote health in support of the constitution of South Africa. Negligence of EHPs to perform their duties result in deaths and fatal injuries among initiates and this indicates the need for health promotion and EH research in the Basotho male initiation schools.
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