Assessment of quality of alcohol-based hand sanitizers used in Johannesburg area during the CoViD-19 pandemic.

Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CoViD-19), the World Health Organization has recommended that, in absence of soap and water, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used to prevent the transmission of coronaviruses. Unfortunately, many media and anecdotal reports indicate that many alcohol-based hand sanitizers sold in South Africa are substandard and some contain potentially toxic ingredients. The study aimed to identify hand sanitizers used in the Johannesburg area during the CoViD-19 pandemic that do not contain the recommended alcohol concentration of at least 70% propanol or 60% ethanol, and contain traces of toxic ingredients.

Environmental and biological monitoring in the workplace: A 10-year South African retrospective analysis.

This report is an overview of requests for biological and environmental monitoring of hazardous chemicals, submitted to the National Institute for Occupational Health, Analytical Services Laboratory for testing from the years 2005 to 2015. The report discusses the nature of tests requested and implications for workers' health and environment, as well as potential impact of the uncertainties associated with monitoring of hazardous chemicals. This is a retrospective, descriptive, qualitative and quantitative audit of all samples received and tests performed retrieved from records of analysis by the laboratory.

A cautionary approach in transitioning to 'green' energy technologies and practices is required.

Renewable energy technologies (wind turbines, solar cells, biofuels, etc.) are often referred to as 'clean' or 'green' energy sources, while jobs linked to the field of environmental protection and energy efficiency are referred to as 'green' jobs. The energy efficiency of clean technologies, which is likely to reduce and/or eliminate reliance on fossil fuels, is acknowledged.

Hazards identified and the need for health risk assessment in the South African mining industry.

Although mining plays a prominent role in the economy of South Africa, it is associated with many chemical hazards. Exposure to dust from mining can lead to many pathological effects depending on mineralogical composition, size, shape and levels and duration of exposure. Mining and processing of minerals also result in occupational exposure to toxic substances such as platinum, chromium, vanadium, manganese, mercury, cyanide and diesel particulate.

DNA methylation similarities in genes of black South Africans with systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are systemic autoimmune connective tissue diseases that share overlapping clinico-pathological features. It is highly probable that there is an overlap in epigenetic landscapes of both diseases. This study aimed to identify similarities in DNA methylation changes in genes involved in SLE and SSc.