Enviro Health

Edible Earth
We're the most gluttonous humans in history, and we're weighing down the planet.

Nature - who needs it?
"If the spotted owl can't adapt to the superiority of humans, screw it..."

Pollutant risks in pregnancy
Certain environmental toxins can cross from the mother’s blood to the unborn child. Learn how to protect yourself and your baby.

Toxic ammonia in your home?
Ammonia, a toxic gas that has caused fatalities in industrial accidents, is in fact present in most households. Make sure you don’t expose your family to it.

The Teflon safety debate
Is it safe to use non-stick Teflon cookware? Health24's EnviroHealth expert has the answer.

Are you cooking your head?
Some cell phone models deliver a lower dose of radiation to the head than others. Is your phone on this list?

Property owner: check for asbestos
The notorious carcinogen has been recognised since the 70s, but asbestos still lurks in some older properties. And if you're the owner, you could find yourself legally liable.

SA kids still fed on lead
Now that we have lead-free paint and petrol, is childhood lead exposure still a problem? A South African study shows that children are still at risk of lead poisoning.

Cell phone/cancer verdict
Studies on cell phone health effects seem so contradictory that we just ignore them. But a new heavyweight analysis of the science says: it's time to take the warnings seriously.

How many kids are too many?
The human race has reached 7 billion and won't be stopping there any day soon. Time for everyone of child-bearing age to have a sober sit-down and think.

Beat the fuel hike
Unstick traffic jams, cut pollution, save on petrol and rise above the urban snarl.

Crazy ways cellphones can harm you
It’s with you all the time, but your cellphone could be affecting your health in unexpected ways

Sitting unpretty
The human buttocks are uniquely big and well-padded, but they did not evolve to serve primarily as a cushion. Even if you're trim and fit, the more you sit, the sooner you may die.

To breed or not to breed?
Who's more selfish: people who'd rather let others do the work of furthering the human race, or people who think it's fine to bring more children into an already crowded world?

Ammonia poisoning
If ammonia gas is inhaled deeply, it can lead to death. But fortunately for most industrial workers, the contamination is seldom so severe.

Is ink bad for your health?
Can exposure to printer ink be the next occupational health hazard? Health24's Environmental Health expert investigates.

Toxins hit kids harder
We're exposed to tens, probably hundreds, of potentially harmful chemicals every day. This is a health risk for everyone, but one group is particularly vulnerable: children.

Beware benzene
Benzene is a highly toxic, hazardous substance and a known human carcinogen, so it should be avoided as far as is possible. But many people come into contact with it at work.

Stop that noise!
Sunday morning, and you’re revelling in a bit of a lie-in. Then your DIY-mad neighbour charges up his new electric drill. Do you have the legal right to tell him to shut up?

Blackout!
The power's out. Again. And it's not just annoying - it can be dangerous too. Here's how to survive the dark.

Generator gas a killer
The death of a Kempton park woman from carbon monoxide poisoning has again focused attention on the dangers of portable electricity generators.

What price pretty?
Most cosmetics contain toxins – in tiny doses. But we love our paint and perfume so much we give ourselves millions of those tiny doses. Is this chemical load hurting our health?

Cut your cellphone cancer risk
Cell phone users may be at increased risk from brain cancer and should take steps to reduce exposure.

A right royal quack?
Prince Charles has a history of pushing bad science and unfounded health remedies. So why was he invited to speak on climate change at one of our foremost scientific institutions?