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Heat and health impacts in Gauteng, South Africa – Towards an Early Warning System

Summary 

Human exposure to high temperatures over short and long periods can have serious implications for health, productivity and infrastructure. Many of these impacts are already being felt in places around the world, including in South Africa. For example, in Gauteng, Pretoria has about an average of 10 days per year which can contribute to a heat wave (maximum temperature 35 °C or higher) while for Johannesburg it is about four days per year (maximum temperature 32 °C or higher) (SAWS, 2021).

Heat-Related Health Risks and Responses of G20 and BRICS Countries

Executive Summary

This report synthesises current evidence on heat-related health risks and policy responses across G20 and BRICS countries, highlighting the growing urgency of extreme heat as a major climate-driven public health threat. Global temperatures have now consistently exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, with recent years ranking as the hottest on record.

Air Pollution and Your Health: What communities in South Africa need to know

Where is air pollution happening in SA?

Air pollution affects many parts of South Africa, but especially the Highveld Vaal Triangle and Waterberg-Bojanala Priority Areas. These areas have many fossil fuel industries, power plants and mining activities, that impact fenceline communities vulnerable to health risks.

View the complete Air Pollution and Your Health: What communities in South Africa need to know - Pamphlet

Rotten Egg Smell? Could be Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)

What is Hydrogen Sulphide?

Hydrogen sulphide is a colourless, flammable gas with a “rotten egg” smell. At high levels, it is known to be harmful to health.

Webinar: Attributable fractions for cancer: approaches and insights

Many cancers are caused by environmental factors for which exposure can be modified. To develop strategies for preventing cancer, one needs to know how much of the burden of cancer is due to modifiable factors.

This talk will focus on the underlying methods for estimating the attributable fractions of cancer, before describing the national effort to estimate those fractions in Australia.

Report for Policymakers : The Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health in the Three Air Pollution Priority Areas in South Africa

Introduction

This report presents the results of an in-depth epidemiological study conducted across the Highveld Priority Area (HPA), the Vaal Triangle Priority Area (VTPA), and the Waterberg-Bojanala Priority Area (WBPA) in South Africa, focusing on the association between ambient air pollution and mortality. By integrating data from 2005 to 2020, stratified by district, pollutant, and season, this study aims to provide robust, policy-relevant insights into the public health impacts of pollutants such as PM10 and SO2.

The Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health in the Three Air Pollution Priority Areas in South Africa

Executive Summary

This report presents the results of an in-depth epidemiological study conducted across the Highveld Priority Area (HPA), the Vaal Triangle Priority Area (VTPA), and the Waterberg-Bojanala Priority Area (WBPA) in South Africa, focusing on the association between ambient air pollution and mortality. The analysis leverages advanced time-series and case-crossover modelling, particularly the Distributed Lag Conditional Case-Crossover (DL-CCO) model, across weekly aggregated mortality data.

The Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health in the Three Air Pollution Priority Areas in South Africa

Executive Summary

This policy brief synthesises key findings from the South African Medical Research Council’s multi-site epidemiological study, supported by the Clean Air Fund. It highlights the urgent health risks of air pollution in South Africa’s Priority Areas (Highveld, Vaal Triangle, and Waterberg-Bojanala) and outlines actionable recommendations for policy and practice.

Stay Safe when Working in the Heat - Heatwave Safety for Outdoor Workers in South Africa

Hot weather increases the risk of  heat-related illness for people who work outside. Construction workers, landscapers, farmers, road crews, delivery workers, utility workers, and others who do hard physical work outdoors are especially vulnerable when it’s hot. This flyer explains how to protect your health during hot weather and heatwaves.

View the complete Stay Safe when Working in the Heat - Heatwave Safety for Outdoor Workers in South Africa Leaflet

Stay Safe in Extreme Heat - Information for People with Physical and Mental Challenges

Very hot weather can be especially dangerous for people living with physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, or mental  health conditions. Some conditions and medications make it harder for the body to cool down or recognise heat stress.  Planning ahead and taking simple steps  can prevent serious illness and save lives.

View the complete Stay Safe in Extreme Heat - Information for People with Physical and Mental Challenges Leaflet

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