Recommendations for the handling of fluorescent lamps in public schools in Johannesburg, South Africa : correspondence

Fluorescent lamps are regarded as hazardous waste because of their mercury content. Mercury has toxic properties that may have acute or chronic detrimental impacts on human health and the environment. A study was recently undertaken with the objective of determining the availability of guidelines fo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:South African medical journal 2014-07, Vol.104 (7), p.457
Main Authors: Swart, Andre, Mathee, Angela, Siziba, Wellington, Naicker, Nisha
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Fluorescent lamps are regarded as hazardous waste because of their mercury content. Mercury has toxic properties that may have acute or chronic detrimental impacts on human health and the environment. A study was recently undertaken with the objective of determining the availability of guidelines for the handling of fluorescent lamps in selected public schools in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study was undertaken under the umbrella of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Urban Health's Health, Environment and Development (HEAD) study. The sample included 22 public schools from within and in the immediate vicinity of the five HEAD study sites, Hillbrow, Bertrams, Riverlea, Braamfischerville and Hospital Hill. A structured questionnaire and observation checklist was administered, typically to the school principal.
ISSN:0256-9574
2078-5135
DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.8052