UCT Division of Environmental Health

UCT Division of Environmental Health Welcome to the official FB page for the University of Cape Town's Division of Environmental Health.

07/08/2026

🌿 Environmental Health Tip for the week

Use a non-plastic reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics. This helps minimize your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals while also contributing to reducing plastic waste.

➡️ Interested in learning more about Environmental Health?
Explore UCT’s Master of Public Health specialising in Environmental Health or the Professional Master’s in Chemical Risk Management:

https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/postgraduate-teaching-masters-programmes/professional-masters-chemicals-risk-management
https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/divisions/environmental-health



31/07/2026

🌿 Environmental Health Tip for the week

Keep bugs away the natural way! Plant-based repellents with essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender can help repel insects without leaving the toxic residues associated with pesticide-based repellents.

➡️ Interested in learning more about Environmental Health?
Explore UCT’s Master of Public Health specialising in Environmental Health or the Professional Master’s in Chemical Risk Management:

https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/postgraduate-teaching-masters-programmes/professional-masters-chemicals-risk-management

https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/divisions/environmental-health


17/07/2026

🌿 Environmental Health Tip for the week

Choose plastic-packaging-free, eco-friendly alternatives for soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and even dishwashing - or refill your own containers where refill stations are available.

This helps reduce plastic packaging use and bars often last longer than bottled products.

Try a few products to find what works best for your hair and skin. Small changes can help reduce plastic waste.

➡️ Interested in learning more about Environmental Health?
Explore UCT’s Master of Public Health specialising in Environmental Health or the Professional Master’s in Chemical Risk Management:

https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/postgraduate-teaching-masters-programmes/professional-masters-chemicals-risk-management
https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/divisions/environmental-health


10/07/2026

🌿 Chemicals and waste management is not only an environmental issue.

It is a health issue. It is an economic issue. It is a development issue.
It also requires sustainable financing.

Many countries struggle to finance the systems needed to manage chemicals and waste safely. While external funding can help set the foundation, long-term solutions require sustainable domestic financing.

So, how can countries build sustainable financing systems?

A new guidance document from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) provides practical answers and offers a roadmap for action on sustainable domestic financing.

The guide will help countries:
✔ Secure political support
✔ Engage finance ministries
✔ Strengthen institutions
✔ Integrate chemicals and waste into development planning
✔ Identify financing solutions that work, including national budgets, taxes, fees, Extended Producer Responsibility, and import permit systems.

The goal? To move beyond short-term projects and build systems that last.

📖 Read the new publication:
https://health.uct.ac.za/environmental-health-projects/guidance-document-unep-sp-sustainable-financing

https://www.unep.org/resources/toolkits-manuals-and-guides/guidance-document-implementing-domestic-financing-sound

UN Environment Programme Special Programme on Institutional Strengthening for Chemicals and Waste, in partnership with of Cape Town and Environment Institute.



University of Cape Town

03/07/2026

🌿 Environmental Health Tip for the week:

🌧️ Prevent mould after flooding
Floodwater may disappear, but the moisture it leaves behind can quickly lead to mould growth in walls, furniture, carpets, cloth and other household items.

⚠️ Mould exposure can cause:
Hay-fever-like reactions (stuffy nose, red, watery or itchy eyes, sneezing)
Asthma attacks
💧 You can reduce the risk by acting quickly:

✅ Dry water-damaged areas and items within 24–48 hours to prevent mould growth
✅ Clean and dry hard surfaces like kitchen counters, showers and bath tubs

A fast response helps protect both your home and your health.

➡️ Interested in learning more about Environmental Health?
Explore UCT’s Master of Public Health specialising in Environmental Health or the Professional Master’s in Chemical Risk Management:

https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/postgraduate-teaching-masters-programmes/professional-masters-chemicals-risk-management
https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/divisions/environmental-health



26/06/2026

🌿 Environmental Health Tip for the week

Use stainless steel and wooden cooking utensils. Plastic spatulas, tongs and other utensils are common but can contain thousands of chemicals that could migrate into food, especially when subjected to heat or acidity.

➡️ Interested in learning more about Environmental Health?
Explore UCT’s Master of Public Health specialising in Environmental Health or the Professional Master’s in Chemical Risk Management:

https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/postgraduate-teaching-masters-programmes/professional-masters-chemicals-risk-management
https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/divisions/environmental-health



19/06/2026

🌿 Environmental Health Tip for the week

Did you know your shopping receipt may contain highly hazardous chemicals?

Whenever you can, skip printing or accepting paper receipts. Many are coated with a highly hazardous chemical that can transfer to your skin.

And if you have little ones in the trolley, don't hand them the receipt to play with!

A small change at the checkout can help reduce unnecessary chemical exposure for you and your family and the environment.

➡️ Interested in learning more about Environmental Health?
Explore UCT’s Master of Public Health specialising in Environmental Health or the Professional Master’s in Chemical Risk Management:

https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/postgraduate-teaching-masters-programmes/professional-masters-chemicals-risk-management
https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/divisions/environmental-health





12/06/2026

🌿 Environmental Health Tip for the week

Instead of using bleach to clean reusable plastic water bottles, choose less toxic alternatives such as vinegar or baking soda. These can help remove odours and residue while reducing your exposure to harsh chemicals and supporting a healthier environment.

♻️ A simple switch for a cleaner bottle and a cleaner planet.

➡️ Interested in learning more about Environmental Health?
Explore UCT’s Master of Public Health specialising in Environmental Health or the Professional Master’s in Chemical Risk Management:

https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/postgraduate-teaching-masters-programmes/professional-masters-chemicals-risk-management

https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/divisions/environmental-health



📢 Enhance your career in chemical risk management with the UCT Professional Masters in Chemical Risk Management (MCRM). ...
11/06/2026

📢 Enhance your career in chemical risk management with the UCT Professional Masters in Chemical Risk Management (MCRM).
Our two-year, internet-based programme is designed to offer a flexible structure and part-time learning to fit your busy schedule.

➡️ Why choose the UCT MCRM?
- Two-year programme
- Internet-based teaching
- Flexible structure
- Part-time learning

💡 Application Deadlines:
31 May, 31 July and 30 September

🔗Apply here: http://applyonline.uct.ac.za

📌Don't miss out on this opportunity to advance your career. Apply now!

🌐 More information here: https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/postgraduate-teaching-masters-programmes/professional-masters-chemicals-risk-management

✉️ For any inquiries, contact us at [email protected]


05/06/2026

🧪🌱 Environmental Health Tip: Sustainable Lab Practices

💡Research and teaching environments can play an important role in promoting environmental sustainability.

Simple actions can make a meaningful difference:
✔ Switch off unused lights and equipment
✔ Install water-saving devices where possible
✔ Minimise chemical and general waste
✔ Reduce reliance on single-use plastics
✔ Develop sustainable laboratory protocols and practices

💬 What is one change your lab, department, or research group has implemented to become more environmentally sustainable?

A recent example comes from the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) at UCT, which became Africa's first My Green Lab-certified academic research institute.

As part of this achievement, the institute implemented a series of simple but impactful measures, including switching off unused lights and equipment, installing water restrictors, minimising waste, and developing new protocols for sustainable laboratory operations.

Their experience demonstrates that environmental sustainability can be integrated into research excellence through practical, everyday actions.

Learn more:
🔗 My Green Lab Certification: https://mygreenlab.org/programs/mgl-certification/

🔗 IDM certification story: https://idm.uct.ac.za/articles/2025-10-17-idm-africas-first-my-green-lab-certified-academic-research-institute, https://idm.uct.ac.za/sustainability

➡️ Interested in learning more about Environmental Health?
Explore UCT’s Master of Public Health specialising in Environmental Health or the Professional Master’s in Chemical Risk Management:

https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/postgraduate-teaching-masters-programmes/professional-masters-chemicals-risk-management
https://health.uct.ac.za/school-public-health/divisions/environmental-health



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