Exposure to CCA-treated wood amongst food caterers and residents in informal areas of Cape Town

Authors

  • Sivapregasen Naidoo 1. Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa 2. Environmental Processes and Systems Engineering, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
  • Algernon Africa Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
  • Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/sajs.2013/20120043

Keywords:

arsenic, chromium, informal food caterers, treated wood, wood fuel

Abstract

We investigated the absorption of chromium, copper and arsenic released from treated wood used by street food caterers and household residents in an informal urban area and a peri-urban area in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants (n=78) selected included an equal number of caterers and residents in each area. All participants answered an exposure questionnaire and were tested for urinary chromium, copper and arsenic, while the urine of 29 participants was also tested for toxic arsenic. Urinary chromium and arsenic exceeded the environmental exposure limit in 12% and 30% of participants, respectively. Toxic arsenic was detected in 30% of samples of which 24% exceeded the environmental exposure limit of 6.4 μg/g creatinine. Urinary chromium, copper, arsenic and toxic arsenic levels were not significantly different between participants from the two areas or between caterers and household residents, controlling for confounding effects. The study provides evidence of chromium and arsenic exposure amongst both informal caterers and household residents, which requires further investigation.

Published

2013-07-30

Issue

Section

Research Article

How to Cite

Naidoo, S., Africa, A., & Aqiel Dalvie, M. (2013). Exposure to CCA-treated wood amongst food caterers and residents in informal areas of Cape Town. South African Journal of Science, 109(7/8), 7. https://doi.org/10.1590/sajs.2013/20120043
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