This sampling guide was developed solely for the purposes of the SAMRC wastewater surveillance and research programme. Users are advised that this guide has not been evaluated for purposes beyond the current scope of the SAMRC research programme on wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2. This is a working draft which is updated as required.

View the complete Wastewater Sampling Guide: Passive sampling

This sampling guide was developed solely for the purposes of the SAMRC wastewater surveillance. Users are advised that this guide has not been evaluated for purposes beyond the current scope of the SAMRC research programme on wastewater surveillance for SARSCoV-2. This is a working draft which is updated as required.

View the complete Wastewater Sampling Guide: Grab sampling

Melting lead to make fishing sinkers is very dangerous!

Along its long coastline, as well as its rivers and lakes, many South Africans practice fishing for commercial, subsistence and recreational purposes. Fishing, as well as diving, often involves the melting of lead to make sinkers or weights. Unfortunately, many people melt lead without realizing that it can cause serious contamination of the environment. The practice is also highly hazardous to the health of those melting lead, as well as their families and friends.

Spring is here and the sun is back – whether it’s hiding behind the clouds or out in full swing!

But sun health for our little ones is anything but straightforward and we need to learn how to educate those around us and at our children’s schools about what our child needs to protect their delicate skin. 

Is there a difference between sunscreen and sunblock?

What about the SPF level?

And how does it help against heat stroke on those hot school sports days?

Did you know that dust or sand storms are natural events that usually occur when STRONG WINDS lift a large amount of sand, dust, dirt and other fine particles from bare and dry soil into the atmosphere, transporting them to sites hundreds to thousands of kilometres away? Depending on weather conditions and fine particle sizes, dust can remain suspended in the atmosphere for a few hours or several days. However, its impact can last for months and years afterwards and can be dangerous for several reasons.

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has reiterated its support for the global ban on lead in paint in the build-up to this year’s International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week taking place from the 20th to 26th October 2019.