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Publication: Potential risk factors for asbestos exposure amongst six-months-old infants living in the township of Soweto, South Africa
Mathee, A. Von Schirnding, Y.E.R. De Wet, T. Mokoetle, K.
Mathee, A.
Von Schirnding, Y.E.R.
De Wet, T.
Mokoetle, K.
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Abstract
During recent years there has been increased attention paid to public exposure to asbestos in the nonoccupational
environment. As part of a longitudinal cohort study of urban child health and development
(the Birth to Ten Project) undertaken in Soweto– Johannesburg, environment and health conditions were
assessed, including the potential for exposure to asbestos in low-income housing settlements. Respondents
from Soweto reported that 52% of a sample of 1488 six-month-old infants, were living in asbestos-roofed
houses. Analyses in relation to the asbestos-roofed houses, showed that more than 63% were older than 20
years, and that ceilings were absent in 62% of such houses. Leaking roofs, water damage and flaking
interior paint in 17%, 13% and 14% of asbestos-roofed houses, respectively, indicated considerable
infrastructural decay. In 6% of houses, household members themselves had undertaken work involving
cutting or sawing the asbestos roofs, during the six-month period prior to the interview. Only 10% of
respondents thought that asbestos could adversely affect their health, or that of their children. The study
indicated a need for vigilance in relation to the potential for current and future community exposure to
asbestos in low-cost, ageing housing settlements in South Africa.
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2000
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Mathee A, Von Schirnding YER, De Wet T, Mokoetle K. Potential risk factors for asbestos exposure amongst six-month-old infants living in the township of Soweto, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH