The Moretele and Hennops rivers are the most polluted and harmful rivers in the city. The two rivers were selected for a clean-up by the Department of Water and Sanitation for the 67 Minutes for Mandela Day campaign last week. Participants headed out to the two facilities as part of the Clear Rivers Campaign. It followed multiple calls from the public to restore the two … [Read more...]
Drinking water contaminated with micro plastic pollution in Gauteng
Drinking water in Johannesburg and Tshwane is polluted with microplastics, a new study has found. Substantial amounts of microplastics – bits of plastics less that 5mm in size – were found in the tap water in both cities, as well as in rivers in Gauteng and in borehole water in the North West province. But while the people of Johannesburg and Tshwane have been drinking … [Read more...]
Plastic packaging contains thousands of chemicals, including hazardous substances
At least 148 substances in plastic packaging are highly hazardous and many compounds are untested for toxicity and/or unknown. Plastic packaging is associated with more than 4,000 different chemicals, including at least 148 highly hazardous substances, as new results from an ongoing scientific research project show. The first project output includes a freely accessible … [Read more...]
Monsanto ‘bullied scientists’ and hid weedkiller cancer risk, lawyer tells court
Monsanto has long worked to “bully scientists” and suppress evidence of the cancer risks of its popular weedkiller, a lawyer argued on Monday in a landmark lawsuit against the global chemical corporation. “Monsanto has specifically gone out of its way to bully … and to fight independent researchers,” said the attorney Brent Wisner, who presented internal Monsanto emails that … [Read more...]
The link between overpopulation and the environment
As we prepare to mark World Population Day, 11 July, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), champion of conservation in Africa, draws attention to the link between human population and the environment. The global human population is now more than 7.5 billion people. The United Nations estimates that this number will be nearly 9.8 billion by 2050 – this is 30% higher than it is … [Read more...]
Children may be eating cereal laced with toxic weed killer
The probable carcinogen glyphosate has been detected in popular cereals, but the EPA is ready to approve its use for 15 more years. Quaker Oats “Life” and “Squares” cereals. Gerber and Beechnut baby oatmeal. Cheerios. Store brand “O” cereals from Target, Safeway, Walmart, Trader Joe’s and Kroger. All those products were contaminated with glyphosate (often sold as Roundup) in … [Read more...]
Water expert talks drought lessons at Mensa
In South Africa 98% of all potential raw water sources are already allocated for use. Increasing urbanisation and demand for safe sanitation place heavy demands on our water resources. The Department of Water & Sanitation estimates that R7-billion in potable water is lost annually. That amounts to 36% of the clean drinking water supply! Dr Jo Barnes, epidemiologist and … [Read more...]
Mystery ocean infection causes itchy bumps
The mystery infection which saw the temporary closure of Three Pools is seemingly spreading, with bathers at the Willows resort and Pollok Beach (in Port Elizabeth) showing similar symptoms. While Willows management – who also manage Three Pools – are holding “flying insects” responsible for the lumpy protrusions, fever and, in some cases, profuse vomiting it causes, the … [Read more...]
How to stop pesticide spraying in your area
The spraying of agricultural chemicals is widespread, not just on farmlands, vineyards and fruit orchards, but also in towns, public parks and gardens, playgrounds, schools, sportsfields and on verges. These notes may help you, should you find yourself exposed to spray drift. There are a few laws in South Africa that protect people and the environment: Fertilizers, farm … [Read more...]
UK government’s hypocrisy over ‘nerve agent’ spy poisoning
Anyone seeing the sight of the specialists investigating the nerve agent attack in Salisbury totally cocooned from head to toe in the most advanced chemical protective equipment and gas mask style respirators, will have raised an eyebrow or two. Not only because of the spaceman style appearance, but most strikingly because of the sight of innocent members of the public, with no … [Read more...]
Plastic particles found in bottled water
Tests on major brands of bottled water have found that nearly all of them contained tiny particles of plastic. In the largest investigation of its kind, 250 bottles bought in nine different countries were examined. Research led by journalism organisation Orb Media discovered an average of 10 plastic particles per litre, each larger than the width of a human … [Read more...]
How Cape Town’s water crisis could make people sick
Day Zero, when the 4 million people living in Cape Town run out of water, is becoming a real possibility. The city has informed residents that water supplies will be turned off on the day and only retained for high risk areas and essential services. Citizens will have to queue for water at key points of distribution. This scenario will affect businesses, the economy, … [Read more...]
New research exposes health risks of GM mosquitoes and salmon
Just when genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes got their approval by the Cayman Islands and the government of Canada’s Prince Edward Island is trying to approve GM salmon, new research reveals unexpected and potentially dangerous effects of genetic engineering. Unfortunately, neither the makers of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) nor their regulators conduct the studies … [Read more...]
