A massive outbreak of food poisoning : a reminder of the importance of proper toxic waste control

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dc.contributor.authorBenade, J. G.
dc.date.accessioned2011-03-18T14:57:10Z
dc.date.available2011-03-18T14:57:10Z
dc.date.issued1996
dc.descriptionArticle
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
dc.description.abstractBecause of rapid urbanisation in South Africa, scavenging from waste disposal sites by poor communities poses an increasing health risk. Reject cough lozenges, some of which contained larger amounts of dextromethorphan than usual, were illegally removed from a disposal site and, after resale by informal traders, caused moderately severe symptoms of toxicity in 171/540 (24%) primary school pupils. Although dextromethorphan was implicated as a cause, contributing effects of other toxins could not be excluded. Bacteriological cultures and a pesticide screen were negative. Had more toxic substances been involved, the consequences would have been disastrous. This incident supports calls for an integrated national waste management policy and waste control act to govern the management and control of waste from generation to disposal. Such a policy is necessary to prevent potentially serious incidents in the future.en_XA
dc.description.versionPublishers' version
dc.format.extentp. 551-552
dc.identifier.citationBenade, J.G. 1996. A massive outbreak of food poisoning: a reminder of the importance of proper toxic waste control. SAMJ, 86(5):551-552
dc.identifier.issn2078-5135 (online)
dc.identifier.issn0256-9574 (print)
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/7237
dc.publisherHMPG
dc.rights.holderThe author
dc.subjectFood poisoning -- South Africa -- Khayelitsha (Cape Town)en_ZA
dc.subjectHazardous wastes -- South Africa -- Khayelitsha (Cape Town) -- Controlen_za
dc.titleA massive outbreak of food poisoning : a reminder of the importance of proper toxic waste controlen_ZA
dc.typeArticle
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