Bio-aerosol Exposure in the Workplace
Occupational Health and Safety Challenges/exposures of Informal Workers in Varying Communities in Gauteng
STUDY TEAM: Z Kirsten and T Singh National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg, 2000 Workers in the informal economy often lack decent working conditions, adequate social security. Background: Workers in the informal economy often lack decent working conditions, adequate social security. Their vulnerable employment is often characterized by [...]
Assessment of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Technology (UVGI) for Controlling Airborne Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB) Exposure In Healthcare Facilities In South Africa
STUDY TEAM: T Singh, O Matuka, T.van Reneen, T Duba, Z Ngcobo, L Muleba, T Nthoke, D Rangongo NIOH, University of the Witwatersrand, CSIR Background: Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) remains a threat to healthcare workers (HCWs) with 8.8 million new active TB cases worldwide every year and nearly 2 million TB deaths. [...]
Allergic Sensitization and Work-related Asthma Among Poultry Workers in South Africa
STUDY TEAM: TS Singh, O Matuka, P Dayal, R Baatjies, D Ngajilo, E Ratshikhopha, A Wadee, G Sekobe, M Jeebhay NIOH, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Cape Town, Cape Peninsula University of Technology Poultry farm workers are exposed to diverse and potentially hazardous biological agents such as dust [...]
Microbial Levels on the Hands of Theatre Staff in Three Johannesburg Hospitals
STUDY TEAM: HA Carman, B Binta, O Matuka, A Fourie, Z Kirsten, AZ Mayekiso, T Singh NIOH, University of Witwatersrand, Sessional Dermatologist Background: Hand hygiene is a fundamental component of infection control in reducing microbial levels on the hands of health care workers ( HCWs). Excessive hand washing damages the [...]
Concentrations Of Natural Rubber Allergens In Gloves Used By Health Professionals In South Africa
E Ratshikhopha NIOH, University of Cape Town, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (Australia) Project Summary: The use of gloves made of natural rubber latex (NRL) has been linked to IgE-mediated allergy in sensitive individuals. The allergenic potential of NRL gloves can be assessed by measurement of concentrations of specific allergenic [...]
Work Related Asthma Associated With Endotoxin Exposure In Dental Workers In South Africa
T Singh NIOH, University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand Project Summary: This study proposes to explore the associations between work related asthma and endotoxin exposure from dental unit waterline contamination in dental workers from academic institutions in South Africa. Dental unit waterline contamination has become a concern as biofilms [...]
Detection Of Latex Aero-allergens In Dental Schools
O Matuka NIOH, RMIT University, (Melbourne, Australia), Health and Safety Laboratory (UK) Project Summary: Occupational exposures to hazardous biological agents (HBAs) have gained momentum recently. Exposure to airborne natural rubber latex (NRL) proteins has become a concern, particularly among healthcare workers. NRL proteins induce immediate type latex allergies, and have [...]
Detection Of Airborne Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (phase 1): Quantitative Measurement
Kirsten Project Summary: South Africa has one of the highest tuberculosis (TB) rates in the world and the problem is exacerbated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In addition, the disease is poverty-driven and the situation is further worsened by the fact that TB cases present very late with advanced disease and [...]