A massive outbreak of food poisoning : a reminder of the importance of proper toxic waste control
Date
1996
Authors
Benade, J. G.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
HMPG
Abstract
Because 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.
Description
Article
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Food poisoning -- South Africa -- Khayelitsha (Cape Town), Hazardous wastes -- South Africa -- Khayelitsha (Cape Town) -- Control
Citation
Benade, J.G. 1996. A massive outbreak of food poisoning: a reminder of the importance of proper toxic waste control. SAMJ, 86(5):551-552