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Caradee Wright
Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria 0001, South Africa

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Journal article
Published: 02 August 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Domestic solid waste is rapidly increasing due to accelerated population growth and urbanization. Improper waste disposal poses potential health risks and environmental concerns. Here, we investigated waste disposal practices in relation to household/dwelling characteristics in South African low-income communities. Data for 2014 to 2019 from a community-orientated primary care program were analyzed using logistic regression. Families who reported living in a shack were more likely to dump waste in the street. Households who reported using non-electric sources of fuel for heating/cooking, those who lacked proper sanitation, and those who did not have access to piped water inside the dwelling were more likely to dispose of waste by dumping it in the street/in the yard or burying it. Families living in low-income settlements are at risk of solid waste exposure and this situation is exacerbated by poor access to piped water, proper sanitation, and electricity.

ACS Style

Lorren Haywood; Thandi Kapwata; Suzan Oelofse; Gregory Breetzke; Caradee Wright. Waste Disposal Practices in Low-Income Settlements of South Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 8176 .

AMA Style

Lorren Haywood, Thandi Kapwata, Suzan Oelofse, Gregory Breetzke, Caradee Wright. Waste Disposal Practices in Low-Income Settlements of South Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (15):8176.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lorren Haywood; Thandi Kapwata; Suzan Oelofse; Gregory Breetzke; Caradee Wright. 2021. "Waste Disposal Practices in Low-Income Settlements of South Africa." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 15: 8176.

Journal article
Published: 08 June 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalization in South Africa. Climate change could potentially affect its incidence via changes in meteorological conditions. We investigated the delayed effects of temperature and relative humidity on pneumonia hospital admissions at two large public hospitals in Limpopo province, South Africa. Using 4062 pneumonia hospital admission records from 2007 to 2015, a time-varying distributed lag non-linear model was used to estimate temperature-lag and relative humidity-lag pneumonia relationships. Mean temperature, relative humidity and diurnal temperature range were all significantly associated with pneumonia admissions. Cumulatively across the 21-day period, higher mean daily temperature (30 °C relative to 21 °C) was most strongly associated with a decreased rate of hospital admissions (relative rate ratios (RR): 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14–0.82), whereas results were suggestive of lower mean daily temperature (12 °C relative to 21 °C) being associated with an increased rate of admissions (RR: 1.27, 95%CI: 0.75–2.16). Higher relative humidity (>80%) was associated with fewer hospital admissions while low relative humidity (<30%) was associated with increased admissions. A proportion of pneumonia admissions were attributable to changes in meteorological variables, and our results indicate that even small shifts in their distributions (e.g., due to climate change) could lead to substantial changes in their burden. These findings can inform a better understanding of the health implications of climate change and the burden of hospital admissions for pneumonia now and in the future.

ACS Style

Hugo Pedder; Thandi Kapwata; Guy Howard; Rajen Naidoo; Zamantimande Kunene; Richard Morris; Angela Mathee; Caradee Wright. Lagged Association between Climate Variables and Hospital Admissions for Pneumonia in South Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 6191 .

AMA Style

Hugo Pedder, Thandi Kapwata, Guy Howard, Rajen Naidoo, Zamantimande Kunene, Richard Morris, Angela Mathee, Caradee Wright. Lagged Association between Climate Variables and Hospital Admissions for Pneumonia in South Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (12):6191.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Hugo Pedder; Thandi Kapwata; Guy Howard; Rajen Naidoo; Zamantimande Kunene; Richard Morris; Angela Mathee; Caradee Wright. 2021. "Lagged Association between Climate Variables and Hospital Admissions for Pneumonia in South Africa." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 12: 6191.

Journal article
Published: 08 June 2021 in Science of The Total Environment
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Climate variables impact human health and in an era of climate change, there is a pressing need to understand these relationships to best inform how such impacts are likely to change. This study sought to investigate time series of daily admissions from two public hospitals in Limpopo province in South Africa with climate variability and air quality. We used wavelet transform cross-correlation analysis to monitor coincidences in changes of meteorological (temperature and rainfall) and air quality (concentrations of PM2.5 and NO2) variables with admissions to hospitals for gastrointestinal illnesses including diarrhoea, pneumonia-related diagnosis, malaria and asthma cases. We were interested to disentangle meteorological or environmental variables that might be associated with underlying temporal variations of disease prevalence measured through visits to hospitals. We found preconditioning of prevalence of pneumonia by changes in air quality and showed that malaria in South Africa is a multivariate event, initiated by co-occurrence of heat and rainfall. We provided new statistical estimates of time delays between the change of weather or air pollution and increase of hospital admissions for pneumonia and malaria that are addition to already known seasonal variations. We found that increase of prevalence of pneumonia follows changes in air quality after a time period of 10 to 15 days, while the increase of incidence of malaria follows the co-occurrence of high temperature and rainfall after a 30-day interval. Our findings have relevance for early warning system development and climate change adaptation planning to protect human health and well-being.

ACS Style

Thandi Kapwata; Caradee Y. Wright; David Jean du Preez; Zamantimande Kunene; Angela Mathee; Takayoshi Ikeda; Willem Landman; Rajendra Maharaj; Neville Sweijd; Noboru Minakawa; Suzana Blesic. Exploring rural hospital admissions for diarrhoeal disease, malaria, pneumonia, and asthma in relation to temperature, rainfall and air pollution using wavelet transform analysis. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 791, 148307 .

AMA Style

Thandi Kapwata, Caradee Y. Wright, David Jean du Preez, Zamantimande Kunene, Angela Mathee, Takayoshi Ikeda, Willem Landman, Rajendra Maharaj, Neville Sweijd, Noboru Minakawa, Suzana Blesic. Exploring rural hospital admissions for diarrhoeal disease, malaria, pneumonia, and asthma in relation to temperature, rainfall and air pollution using wavelet transform analysis. Science of The Total Environment. 2021; 791 ():148307.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Thandi Kapwata; Caradee Y. Wright; David Jean du Preez; Zamantimande Kunene; Angela Mathee; Takayoshi Ikeda; Willem Landman; Rajendra Maharaj; Neville Sweijd; Noboru Minakawa; Suzana Blesic. 2021. "Exploring rural hospital admissions for diarrhoeal disease, malaria, pneumonia, and asthma in relation to temperature, rainfall and air pollution using wavelet transform analysis." Science of The Total Environment 791, no. : 148307.

Review
Published: 05 May 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Links between heat exposure and congenital anomalies have not been explored in detail despite animal data and other strands of evidence that indicate such links are likely. We reviewed articles on heat and congenital anomalies from PubMed and Web of Science, screening 14,880 titles and abstracts in duplicate for articles on environmental heat exposure during pregnancy and congenital anomalies. Thirteen studies were included. Most studies were in North America (8) or the Middle East (3). Methodological diversity was considerable, including in temperature measurement, gestational windows of exposure, and range of defects studied. Associations were detected between heat exposure and congenital cardiac anomalies in three of six studies, with point estimates highest for atrial septal defects. Two studies with null findings used self-reported temperature exposures. Hypospadias, congenital cataracts, renal agenesis/hypoplasia, spina bifida, and craniofacial defects were also linked with heat exposure. Effects generally increased with duration and intensity of heat exposure. However, some neural tube defects, gastroschisis, anopthalmia/microphthalmia and congenital hypothyroidism were less frequent at higher temperatures. While findings are heterogenous, the evidence raises important concerns about heat exposure and birth defects. Some heterogeneity may be explained by biases in reproductive epidemiology. Pooled analyses of heat impacts using registers of congenital anomalies are a high priority.

ACS Style

Marjan Haghighi; Caradee Wright; Julian Ayer; Michael Urban; Minh Pham; Melanie Boeckmann; Ashtyn Areal; Bianca Wernecke; Callum Swift; Matthew Robinson; Robyn Hetem; Matthew Chersich; Climate Change and Heat-Health Study Group. Impacts of High Environmental Temperatures on Congenital Anomalies: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 4910 .

AMA Style

Marjan Haghighi, Caradee Wright, Julian Ayer, Michael Urban, Minh Pham, Melanie Boeckmann, Ashtyn Areal, Bianca Wernecke, Callum Swift, Matthew Robinson, Robyn Hetem, Matthew Chersich, Climate Change and Heat-Health Study Group. Impacts of High Environmental Temperatures on Congenital Anomalies: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (9):4910.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marjan Haghighi; Caradee Wright; Julian Ayer; Michael Urban; Minh Pham; Melanie Boeckmann; Ashtyn Areal; Bianca Wernecke; Callum Swift; Matthew Robinson; Robyn Hetem; Matthew Chersich; Climate Change and Heat-Health Study Group. 2021. "Impacts of High Environmental Temperatures on Congenital Anomalies: A Systematic Review." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 9: 4910.

Public health
Published: 28 April 2021 in Frontiers in Public Health
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Exposure of outdoor workers to high levels of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) poses significant, well-known health risks including skin cancer and eye diseases. In South Africa, little is known about how many workers are potentially overexposed to solar UVR and what the associated impacts on their health might be. In this overview, the geography and solar UVR environment in South Africa are considered, as well as the different outdoor occupational groups likely to be affected by excessive solar UVR exposure. Sunburn, pterygium, cataract, keratinocyte cancers, and melanoma are discussed in the context of outdoor workers. Few studies in South Africa have considered these health issues and the most effective ways to reduce solar UVR exposure for those working outside. Several countries have developed policies and guidelines to support sun safety in the workplace which include training and education, in addition to the provision of personal protective equipment and managerial support. Several gaps in occupational sun protection and workplace sun safety for South Africa are identified. Legislation needs to recognize solar UVR exposure as an occupational health hazard, with sun safety guidelines and training provided for employers and employees.

ACS Style

Caradee Y. Wright; Mary Norval. Health Risks Associated With Excessive Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Among Outdoor Workers in South Africa: An Overview. Frontiers in Public Health 2021, 9, 1 .

AMA Style

Caradee Y. Wright, Mary Norval. Health Risks Associated With Excessive Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Among Outdoor Workers in South Africa: An Overview. Frontiers in Public Health. 2021; 9 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Caradee Y. Wright; Mary Norval. 2021. "Health Risks Associated With Excessive Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Among Outdoor Workers in South Africa: An Overview." Frontiers in Public Health 9, no. : 1.

Communication
Published: 17 April 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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The health sector response to dealing with the impacts of climate change on human health, whether mitigative or adaptive, is influenced by multiple factors and necessitates creative approaches drawing on resources across multiple sectors. This short communication presents the context in which adaptation to protect human health has been addressed to date and argues for a holistic, transdisciplinary, multisectoral and systems approach going forward. Such a novel health-climate approach requires broad thinking regarding geographies, ecologies and socio-economic policies, and demands that one prioritises services for vulnerable populations at higher risk. Actions to engage more sectors and systems in comprehensive health-climate governance are identified. Much like the World Health Organization’s ‘Health in All Policies’ approach, one should think health governance and climate change together in a transnational framework as a matter not only of health promotion and disease prevention, but of population security. In an African context, there is a need for continued cross-border efforts, through partnerships, blending climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, and long-term international financing, to contribute towards meeting sustainable development imperatives.

ACS Style

Caradee Wright; Candice Moore; Matthew Chersich; Rebecca Hester; Patricia Nayna Schwerdtle; Guy Mbayo; Charles Akong; Colin Butler. A Transdisciplinary Approach to Address Climate Change Adaptation for Human Health and Well-Being in Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 4258 .

AMA Style

Caradee Wright, Candice Moore, Matthew Chersich, Rebecca Hester, Patricia Nayna Schwerdtle, Guy Mbayo, Charles Akong, Colin Butler. A Transdisciplinary Approach to Address Climate Change Adaptation for Human Health and Well-Being in Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (8):4258.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Caradee Wright; Candice Moore; Matthew Chersich; Rebecca Hester; Patricia Nayna Schwerdtle; Guy Mbayo; Charles Akong; Colin Butler. 2021. "A Transdisciplinary Approach to Address Climate Change Adaptation for Human Health and Well-Being in Africa." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 8: 4258.

Journal article
Published: 29 March 2021 in South African Journal of Science
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ACS Style

Caradee Y. Wright. Unravelling historical and intertwined complexities of light and dark skin. South African Journal of Science 2021, 117, 1 .

AMA Style

Caradee Y. Wright. Unravelling historical and intertwined complexities of light and dark skin. South African Journal of Science. 2021; 117 (3/4):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Caradee Y. Wright. 2021. "Unravelling historical and intertwined complexities of light and dark skin." South African Journal of Science 117, no. 3/4: 1.

Journal article
Published: 06 March 2021 in Environmental Research
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There are many climatic changes facing South Africa which already have, or are projected to have, a detrimental impact on human health. Here the risks to health due to several alterations in the climate of South Africa are considered in turn. These include an increase in ambient temperature, causing, for example, a significant rise in morbidity and mortality; heavy rainfall leading to changes in the prevalence and occurrence of vector-borne diseases; drought-associated malnutrition; and exposure to dust storms and air pollution leading to the potential exacerbation of respiratory diseases. Existing initiatives and strategies to prevent or reduce these adverse health impacts are outlined, together with suggestions of what might be required in the future to safeguard the health of the nation. Potential roles for the health and non-health sectors as well as preparedness and capacity development with respect to climate change and health adaptation are considered.

ACS Style

Caradee Y. Wright; Thandi Kapwata; David Jean du Preez; Bianca Wernecke; Rebecca M. Garland; Vusumuzi Nkosi; Willem A. Landman; Liesl Dyson; Mary Norval. Major climate change-induced risks to human health in South Africa. Environmental Research 2021, 196, 110973 .

AMA Style

Caradee Y. Wright, Thandi Kapwata, David Jean du Preez, Bianca Wernecke, Rebecca M. Garland, Vusumuzi Nkosi, Willem A. Landman, Liesl Dyson, Mary Norval. Major climate change-induced risks to human health in South Africa. Environmental Research. 2021; 196 ():110973.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Caradee Y. Wright; Thandi Kapwata; David Jean du Preez; Bianca Wernecke; Rebecca M. Garland; Vusumuzi Nkosi; Willem A. Landman; Liesl Dyson; Mary Norval. 2021. "Major climate change-induced risks to human health in South Africa." Environmental Research 196, no. : 110973.

Research note
Published: 25 January 2021 in Photochemistry and Photobiology
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Although ocular diseases related to solar ultraviolet radiation exposure have a high prevalence in Africa, little is known about the occupational use of ocular photoprotective measures on the continent. In a survey of South Africa farmworkers on a farm in the Limpopo Province, we analyzed factors related to ocular sun protection including use of different types of hats and sunglasses in relation to age, gender and duration of agricultural employment. Majority of participants (80%) never wore sunglasses while 23% never wore a hat when working. More male workers used measures to protect their eyes than female workers. The type of hat most worn was a cap although broad‐brimmed hats provide more effective photoprotection. The need for awareness campaigns that focus on the importance of using photoprotective measures in both an agricultural and South Africa contexts was identified.

ACS Style

Karlien Linde; Caradee Yael Wright; Thandi Kapwata; Johannes Lodewykus du Plessis. Low Use of Ocular Sun Protection among Agricultural Workers in South Africa: Need for Further Research. Photochemistry and Photobiology 2021, 97, 453 -455.

AMA Style

Karlien Linde, Caradee Yael Wright, Thandi Kapwata, Johannes Lodewykus du Plessis. Low Use of Ocular Sun Protection among Agricultural Workers in South Africa: Need for Further Research. Photochemistry and Photobiology. 2021; 97 (2):453-455.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Karlien Linde; Caradee Yael Wright; Thandi Kapwata; Johannes Lodewykus du Plessis. 2021. "Low Use of Ocular Sun Protection among Agricultural Workers in South Africa: Need for Further Research." Photochemistry and Photobiology 97, no. 2: 453-455.

Journal article
Published: 20 January 2021 in Atmosphere
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Biomass burning has an impact on atmospheric composition as well as human health and wellbeing. In South Africa, the biomass burning season extends from July to October and affects the aerosol loading and tropospheric ozone concentrations which in turn impact solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels at the surface. Using ground-based observations of aerosols, tropospheric ozone and solar UVR (as well as modelled solar UVR) we investigated the impact of aerosols and tropospheric ozone on solar UVR in August, September, and October over Pretoria. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) and tropospheric ozone reached a peak between September and October each year. On clear-sky days, the average relative difference between the modelled and observed solar Ultraviolet Index (UVI) levels (a standard indicator of surface UVR) at solar noon was 7%. Using modelled UVR—which included and excluded the effects of aerosols and tropospheric ozone from biomass burning—aerosols had a larger radiative effect compared to tropospheric ozone on UVI levels during the biomass burning season. Excluding only aerosols resulted in a 10% difference between the modelled and observed UVI, while excluding only tropospheric ozone resulted in a difference of −2%. Further understanding of the radiative effect of aerosols and trace gases, particularly in regions that are affected by emissions from biomass burning, is considered important for future research.

ACS Style

David du Preez; Hassan Bencherif; Thierry Portafaix; Kévin Lamy; Caradee Wright. Solar Ultraviolet Radiation in Pretoria and Its Relations to Aerosols and Tropospheric Ozone during the Biomass Burning Season. Atmosphere 2021, 12, 132 .

AMA Style

David du Preez, Hassan Bencherif, Thierry Portafaix, Kévin Lamy, Caradee Wright. Solar Ultraviolet Radiation in Pretoria and Its Relations to Aerosols and Tropospheric Ozone during the Biomass Burning Season. Atmosphere. 2021; 12 (2):132.

Chicago/Turabian Style

David du Preez; Hassan Bencherif; Thierry Portafaix; Kévin Lamy; Caradee Wright. 2021. "Solar Ultraviolet Radiation in Pretoria and Its Relations to Aerosols and Tropospheric Ozone during the Biomass Burning Season." Atmosphere 12, no. 2: 132.

Journal article
Published: 04 January 2021 in Annals of Global Health
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Article: Tracking Progress Towards the Sustainable Development Goals in Four Rural Villages in Limpopo, South Africa

ACS Style

Bianca Wernecke; Angela Mathee; Zamantimande Kunene; Yusentha Balakrishna; Thandi Kapwata; Mirriam Mogotsi; Neville Sweijd; Noboru Minakawa; Caradee Yael Wright. Tracking Progress Towards the Sustainable Development Goals in Four Rural Villages in Limpopo, South Africa. Annals of Global Health 2021, 87, 16 .

AMA Style

Bianca Wernecke, Angela Mathee, Zamantimande Kunene, Yusentha Balakrishna, Thandi Kapwata, Mirriam Mogotsi, Neville Sweijd, Noboru Minakawa, Caradee Yael Wright. Tracking Progress Towards the Sustainable Development Goals in Four Rural Villages in Limpopo, South Africa. Annals of Global Health. 2021; 87 (1):16.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bianca Wernecke; Angela Mathee; Zamantimande Kunene; Yusentha Balakrishna; Thandi Kapwata; Mirriam Mogotsi; Neville Sweijd; Noboru Minakawa; Caradee Yael Wright. 2021. "Tracking Progress Towards the Sustainable Development Goals in Four Rural Villages in Limpopo, South Africa." Annals of Global Health 87, no. 1: 16.

Editorial
Published: 07 December 2020 in Atmosphere
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The impacts of climate change on human health and wellbeing in sub-Saharan Africa are projected to increase in the near future and are of considerable concern

ACS Style

Caradee Wright; Mary Norval. Present and Future Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Sub-Saharan Africa. Atmosphere 2020, 11, 1321 .

AMA Style

Caradee Wright, Mary Norval. Present and Future Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Sub-Saharan Africa. Atmosphere. 2020; 11 (12):1321.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Caradee Wright; Mary Norval. 2020. "Present and Future Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Sub-Saharan Africa." Atmosphere 11, no. 12: 1321.

Journal article
Published: 03 November 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Reunion Island is a popular tourist destination with sandy beaches, an active volcano (Piton de la Fournaise), and Piton des Neiges, the highest and most dominant geological feature on the island. Reunion is known to have high levels of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) with an ultraviolet index (UVI) which can reach 8 in winter and 16 in summer (climatological conditions). UVR has been linked to skin cancer, melanoma, and eye disease such as cataracts. The World Health Organization (WHO) devised the UVI as a tool for expressing UVR intensity. Thresholds ranging from low (UVI 1–2) to extreme (UVI > 11) were defined depending on the risk to human health. The purpose of the study was to assess UVR exposure levels over three of the busiest tourist sites on the island. UVR was measured over several hours along popular hiking trails around Piton de la Fournaise (PDF), Piton des Neiges (PDN), and St-Leu Beach (LEU). The results were compared with those recorded by the local UV station at Saint-Denis. In addition, cumulative standard erythemal dose (SED) was calculated. Results showed that UVI exposure at PDF, PDN, and LEU were extreme (>11) and reached maximum UVI levels of 21.1, 22.5, and 14.5, respectively. Cumulative SEDs were multiple times higher than the thresholds established by the Fitzpatrick skin phototype classification. UVI measurements at the three study sites showed that Reunion Island is exposed to extreme UVR conditions. Public awareness campaigns are needed to inform the population of the health risks related to UVR exposure.

ACS Style

Jean-Maurice Cadet; Hassan Bencherif; Nicolas Cadet; Kévin Lamy; Thierry Portafaix; Matthias Belus; Colette Brogniez; Frédérique Auriol; Jean-Marc Metzger; Caradee Y. Wright. Solar UV Radiation in the Tropics: Human Exposure at Reunion Island (21° S, 55° E) during Summer Outdoor Activities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 8105 .

AMA Style

Jean-Maurice Cadet, Hassan Bencherif, Nicolas Cadet, Kévin Lamy, Thierry Portafaix, Matthias Belus, Colette Brogniez, Frédérique Auriol, Jean-Marc Metzger, Caradee Y. Wright. Solar UV Radiation in the Tropics: Human Exposure at Reunion Island (21° S, 55° E) during Summer Outdoor Activities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (21):8105.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jean-Maurice Cadet; Hassan Bencherif; Nicolas Cadet; Kévin Lamy; Thierry Portafaix; Matthias Belus; Colette Brogniez; Frédérique Auriol; Jean-Marc Metzger; Caradee Y. Wright. 2020. "Solar UV Radiation in the Tropics: Human Exposure at Reunion Island (21° S, 55° E) during Summer Outdoor Activities." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 21: 8105.

Journal article
Published: 03 August 2020 in Annals of Global Health
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Shelter and safe housing is a basic human need that brings about a sense of ownership, self-sufficiency, and citizenship. Millions of people around the world live in inadequate dwellings in unhealthy areas, such as urban slums. These dwellings may experience indoor temperatures that impact inhabitants' health. Indoor dwelling temperatures vary depending on many factors including geographic location, such as inland versus coastal. In an era of climate change, understanding how dwelling characteristics influence indoor temperature is important, especially in low- and middle-income countries, to protect health. To assess indoor temperature in low-cost dwellings located in a coastal setting in relation to dwelling characteristics. Indoor temperature and relative humidity loggers were installed from 1 June 2017 to 15 May 2018 in 50 dwellings in two settlements in a coastal town on the east coast of South Africa. Ambient outdoor temperature data were obtained from the national weather service, indoor temperature data were converted into apparent temperature, and heat index calculations were made to consider possible heat-health risks. A household questionnaire and dwelling observation assessment were administered. A mixed-effects linear regression model was constructed to consider the impact of dwelling characteristics on indoor apparent temperature. Among 17 dwellings with all data sets, indoor temperatures were consistently higher than, and well correlated (r = 0.92) with outdoor temperatures. Average differences in indoor and outdoor temperatures were about 4°C, with statistically significant differences in percentage difference of indoor/outdoor between seasons (p < 0.001). Heat indices for indoor temperatures were exceeded mostly in summer, thereby posing possible health risks. Dwellings with cement floors were statistically significantly cooler than any other floor type across all seasons. Low-cost dwellings experienced temperatures indoors higher than outdoor temperatures in part due to floor type. These results help inform interventions that consider housing and human health (n = 289).

ACS Style

June Teare; Angela Mathee; Nisha Naicker; Cheryl Swanepoel; Thandi Kapwata; Yusentha Balakrishna; David Jean Du Preez; Danielle A. Millar; Caradee Y. Wright. Dwelling Characteristics Influence Indoor Temperature and May Pose Health Threats in LMICs. Annals of Global Health 2020, 86, 91 .

AMA Style

June Teare, Angela Mathee, Nisha Naicker, Cheryl Swanepoel, Thandi Kapwata, Yusentha Balakrishna, David Jean Du Preez, Danielle A. Millar, Caradee Y. Wright. Dwelling Characteristics Influence Indoor Temperature and May Pose Health Threats in LMICs. Annals of Global Health. 2020; 86 (1):91.

Chicago/Turabian Style

June Teare; Angela Mathee; Nisha Naicker; Cheryl Swanepoel; Thandi Kapwata; Yusentha Balakrishna; David Jean Du Preez; Danielle A. Millar; Caradee Y. Wright. 2020. "Dwelling Characteristics Influence Indoor Temperature and May Pose Health Threats in LMICs." Annals of Global Health 86, no. 1: 91.

Protocol
Published: 31 July 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Climate models predict that the global average temperature of Earth will rise in the future. Studies show that high classroom temperatures can affect the ability of the student to learn and function. It is important to understand the impact that heat will have on the health, wellbeing, and academic performance of learners, as they spend a significant amount of time in classrooms compared to any other environment. A follow-up panel study among 20 public primary schools in the Gauteng province (South Africa) will be carried out, in which Grade 4 learners will be selected to complete an hourly heat-health symptom questionnaire. A Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) test will be used to determine their memory and attention span. A nursing practitioner will measure body weight, height, and temperature. Lascar data loggers will be used to measure indoor classroom temperature. School principals will complete a questionnaire on existing school coping mechanisms and policies in place that help deal with hot weather conditions. This is the first study to quantitatively assess the effects of heat on learners’ health, well-being and school performance in South Africa. The outcomes of this study will enable policymakers and public officials to develop appropriate school heat adaptation and mitigation measures and will assist in channeling their resources where it is most needed.

ACS Style

Shalin Bidassey-Manilal; Caradee Yael Wright; Thandi Kapwata; Joyce Shirinde. A Study Protocol to Determine Heat-Related Health Impacts among Primary Schoolchildren in South Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 5531 .

AMA Style

Shalin Bidassey-Manilal, Caradee Yael Wright, Thandi Kapwata, Joyce Shirinde. A Study Protocol to Determine Heat-Related Health Impacts among Primary Schoolchildren in South Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (15):5531.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Shalin Bidassey-Manilal; Caradee Yael Wright; Thandi Kapwata; Joyce Shirinde. 2020. "A Study Protocol to Determine Heat-Related Health Impacts among Primary Schoolchildren in South Africa." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 15: 5531.

Journal article
Published: 29 July 2020 in South African Journal of Science
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ACS Style

Bianca Wernecke; Danielle A. Millar; Michele Walters; Andre Ganswindt; Luthando Dziba; Caradee Y. Wright. ‘Preventing the next pandemic’ – A 2020 UNEP Frontiers Series Report on zoonotic diseases with reflections for South Africa. South African Journal of Science 2020, 116, 1 .

AMA Style

Bianca Wernecke, Danielle A. Millar, Michele Walters, Andre Ganswindt, Luthando Dziba, Caradee Y. Wright. ‘Preventing the next pandemic’ – A 2020 UNEP Frontiers Series Report on zoonotic diseases with reflections for South Africa. South African Journal of Science. 2020; 116 (7/8):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bianca Wernecke; Danielle A. Millar; Michele Walters; Andre Ganswindt; Luthando Dziba; Caradee Y. Wright. 2020. "‘Preventing the next pandemic’ – A 2020 UNEP Frontiers Series Report on zoonotic diseases with reflections for South Africa." South African Journal of Science 116, no. 7/8: 1.

Original article
Published: 04 July 2020 in Skin Research and Technology
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Background Farmworkers in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, are at risk of excessive exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (sUVR) due to both their work and the sUVR environment in the geographic area. However, the natural protection provided by this group's skin against sUVR has not been quantified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the subjective and objective skin colour of a group of farmworkers in order to classify the natural photoprotection provided by melanin and to evaluate the different measurement methods. Materials and Methods Skin colour was established by using the subjective Fitzpatrick skin phototype system (FST) questionnaire and two objective methods, namely the individual typology angle (ITA°) and melanin index (MI). A total of 71 farmworkers participated in the study. Results Black Africans tended to perceive their skin to be lighter than objectively measured, potentially due to cultural factors. The constitutive skin colour of most farmworkers was objectively classified in the FST V/brown group. Significant differences were found between the ITA° and MI of sun‐exposed (constitutive) and non–sun‐exposed (facultative) skin in Black African and White farmworkers. A strong correlation was found between ITA° and MI on different anatomical positions indicating both methods are appropriate to determine skin colour in deeply pigmented skin. Conclusion The evaluation of skin colour with the use of both subjective and objective methods may be used to design an effective photoprotection programme for farmworkers in the Limpopo Province.

ACS Style

Karlien Linde; Caradee Yael Wright; Johannes Lodewykus Du Plessis. Subjective and objective skin colour of a farmworker group in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Skin Research and Technology 2020, 26, 923 -931.

AMA Style

Karlien Linde, Caradee Yael Wright, Johannes Lodewykus Du Plessis. Subjective and objective skin colour of a farmworker group in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Skin Research and Technology. 2020; 26 (6):923-931.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Karlien Linde; Caradee Yael Wright; Johannes Lodewykus Du Plessis. 2020. "Subjective and objective skin colour of a farmworker group in the Limpopo Province, South Africa." Skin Research and Technology 26, no. 6: 923-931.

Research article
Published: 03 July 2020 in Photochemistry and Photobiology
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Satellite estimates of surface ultraviolet A (UVA) (315‐400 nm) from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME)‐2 were compared to ground‐based measurements at four stations in South Africa for 2015. The comparison of daily exposure and daily maximum irradiance was completed for all‐sky and clear‐sky conditions. There is a strong linear correlation between the satellite and ground‐based data with a correlation coefficient (r) between 0.86 and 0.97 for all sky conditions. However, at three of the stations the satellite data is under‐estimated compared to ground‐based data with a mean bias error (MBE) between ‐8.7% and ‐20.6%. A seasonal analysis indicated that there is a link between the bias in ground‐based and GOME‐2 UVA and cloud fraction. Factors such as aerosols, surface albedo, altitude and data resolution may contribute to the under‐estimations found at the three sites. These results indicate that satellite estimates of surface UVA over South Africa do not exhibit the same behaviour as other stations around the world and therefore require further validation.

ACS Style

D. Jean Du Preez; Alfio V. Parisi; Danielle A. Millar; Hassan Bencherif; Caradee Y. Wright. Comparison of GOME‐2 UVA Satellite Data to Ground‐Based UVA Measurements in South Africa. Photochemistry and Photobiology 2020, 96, 1342 -1349.

AMA Style

D. Jean Du Preez, Alfio V. Parisi, Danielle A. Millar, Hassan Bencherif, Caradee Y. Wright. Comparison of GOME‐2 UVA Satellite Data to Ground‐Based UVA Measurements in South Africa. Photochemistry and Photobiology. 2020; 96 (6):1342-1349.

Chicago/Turabian Style

D. Jean Du Preez; Alfio V. Parisi; Danielle A. Millar; Hassan Bencherif; Caradee Y. Wright. 2020. "Comparison of GOME‐2 UVA Satellite Data to Ground‐Based UVA Measurements in South Africa." Photochemistry and Photobiology 96, no. 6: 1342-1349.

Research note
Published: 04 June 2020 in Photochemistry and Photobiology
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Urban environments can have high‐risk spaces that can provide excess personal sun exposure, such as urban or street canyons, and the spaces between buildings, amongst others. In these urban spaces sun exposure can be high or low depending on several factors. Polysulphone film (PSF) was used to assess possible daily solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure in urban canyons in Venice, Italy and, for the first time in Africa, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The photodegradation of PSF upon solar exposure was monitored at a wavelength of 330 nm by ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry and the resultant change was converted to standard erythemal dose (SED) units (1 SED = 100 J m‐2). Mean daily ambient solar UVR exposure measured for Venice and Johannesburg ranged between 20 ‐ 28 SED and 33 ‐ 43 SED, respectively. Canyon‐located PSF exposures were lower in Venice (1 – 9 SED) than those in Johannesburg (9 – 39 SED), depending mainly on the sky view factor and orientation to the sun. There was large variation in solar UVR exposure levels in different urban canyons. These preliminary results should be bolstered with additional studies for a better understanding of excess personal exposure risk in urban areas, especially in Africa.

ACS Style

Caradee Y. Wright; David Jean Preez; Bice S. Martincigh; Martin W. Allen; Danielle A. Millar; Bianca Wernecke; Suzana Blesic. A Comparison of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure in Urban Canyons in Venice, Italy and Johannesburg, South Africa. Photochemistry and Photobiology 2020, 96, 1148 -1153.

AMA Style

Caradee Y. Wright, David Jean Preez, Bice S. Martincigh, Martin W. Allen, Danielle A. Millar, Bianca Wernecke, Suzana Blesic. A Comparison of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure in Urban Canyons in Venice, Italy and Johannesburg, South Africa. Photochemistry and Photobiology. 2020; 96 (5):1148-1153.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Caradee Y. Wright; David Jean Preez; Bice S. Martincigh; Martin W. Allen; Danielle A. Millar; Bianca Wernecke; Suzana Blesic. 2020. "A Comparison of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure in Urban Canyons in Venice, Italy and Johannesburg, South Africa." Photochemistry and Photobiology 96, no. 5: 1148-1153.

Journal article
Published: 27 May 2020 in South African Journal of Science
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ACS Style

Danielle A. Millar; Caradee Y. Wright. ‘Meet people where they are’: An approach to opioids and harm reduction in South Africa. South African Journal of Science 2020, 116, 1 .

AMA Style

Danielle A. Millar, Caradee Y. Wright. ‘Meet people where they are’: An approach to opioids and harm reduction in South Africa. South African Journal of Science. 2020; 116 (5/6):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Danielle A. Millar; Caradee Y. Wright. 2020. "‘Meet people where they are’: An approach to opioids and harm reduction in South Africa." South African Journal of Science 116, no. 5/6: 1.