Papers by Dr Mercy M Sepadi
MDPI-Atmosphere Journal, 2025
Background: Knowledge of how different social groups in South Africa are
affected by air quality ... more Background: Knowledge of how different social groups in South Africa are
affected by air quality is important for informing air quality regulations and determining the integrated social–environmental approach to adopt. This systematic review evaluates the impact of air pollution on these groups, investigates socio-economic factors that increaseexposure, and assesses mitigation measures.
Methods: The review followed the PRISMA guidelines and analyzed quantitative studies conducted in South Africa, which were published between 2014 and 2024. The studies’ sources included databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Data from 47 eligible studies were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Results show that women, children, and low-income communities
tend to bear the brunt of poor air quality. Children are the most affected by poor air quality, with significant respiratory issues. Pregnant women are vulnerable to adverse birth outcomes. The results indicate that of the 47 studies reviewed, 51% focused on the effects of air pollution on children, whilst fewer studies (26%) focused on women. This may point to a gap in research on the specific impacts of air pollution on women. Low-income
communities face increased exposure due to proximity to pollutant sources and substandard housing. The results further indicated that of the health impacts experienced by vulnerable populations, general health issues (96%) and respiratory health issues (89%) are the most prominent health impacts. Conclusions: The study underscores the need for
stricter air quality regulations, public education, and an integrated social–environmental approach to mitigate exposure in vulnerable populations.
Keywords: air pollution; vulnerable populations; women; children; South Africa; public health; socio-economic factors; PRISMA
IntechOpen eBooks, Feb 28, 2024
Street vending is a prevalent form of informal employment in South Africa, with both positive and... more Street vending is a prevalent form of informal employment in South Africa, with both positive and negative impacts on workers' well-being and safety. Negative effects include psychological, respiratory, and musculoskeletal disorders. This chapter addresses health and safety concerns faced by street vendors in the informal trading sector using a systematic and scientific approach. Street vendors face unique challenges, such as navigating busy streets and dealing with extreme weather conditions. With changing climate and environmental factors, it is crucial to assess and manage these risks effectively. By conducting thorough risk assessments, potential hazards can be identified and strategies can be developed to mitigate them. Informal street trading is essential for urban economic growth and poverty alleviation. However, many businesses conducted by street vendors do not comply with workplace health and safety requirements, leading to high hazards and risks. Therefore, occupational safety and personal health risks faced by street vendors are crucial and require regulation of health and safety standards in the street trading industry.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Mar 9, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Jan 30, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Feb 3, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
PAMJ one health, 2022
Introduction: informal vendors are among the most deprived sections of the informal sector. The d... more Introduction: informal vendors are among the most deprived sections of the informal sector. The daily and prolonged exposure to biomass fuel and outdoor air pollution is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this industry. Methods: a crosssectional pilot study was conducted among 100 informal vendors at 38 indoor (inside buildings) and outdoor (roadside or street) vendor, stalls within Johannesburg, South Africa. The purpose of the pilot study was to determine the suitability of the data collection tools for the main study, which included the walkthrough survey checklist and the previously validated respiratory questionnaire by the British Medical Research Council. Furthermore, it was to obtain a snapshot of demographic profile, occupational risk factors, and respiratory symptoms among informal vendors. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Results: there were more roadside vendors, often exposed to air pollutants, as compared to vendors inside buildings. Most vendors in the study had access to water. The hygiene status in and around stalls was found to be below acceptable standards. Most were female vendors (63%), with an average age of 25-34 years. Fifty-five percent of the stalls sold cooked food; with most selling meat (58%) and porridge (55%). Most vendors worked more than 8 hours (73%) a day. Female vendors also noted cooking at home, reflecting an increased risk of exposure. Twenty-six percent of the vendors lived nearby heavily trafficked roads and 20% lived near large industrial pollution sources. Smoking vendors were 12% and 35% experienced passive smoking. The results reflected an improper respiratory protective equipment usage, with 54% using cloth masks, and 73% reporting changing of masks at least three times a week. Upper respiratory symptoms were most prevalent in cooking vendors, with no report of chronic diseases. Conclusion: therefore, we conclude that occupational health management is required in improving the workplace conditions and eliminating illness and disability related to work in this industry; thus ensuring the business's operations and stakeholder involvement are strengthened
Cities & health, Mar 11, 2021
The inappropriate handling and disposal of soiled nappies have contributed to the negative impact... more The inappropriate handling and disposal of soiled nappies have contributed to the negative impact on the environment and public health in general. This commentary seeks to highlight the environment...
PAMJ one health, 2023
Abstract Introduction: the current legislation and servicing of the informal trading sector is fr... more Abstract Introduction: the current legislation and servicing of the informal trading sector is fragmented, resulting in inefficient use of limited resources. The present article is based on an original study that was carried out in the inner city of Johannesburg, which comprised risk identification and impact management using quantitative methods including the development of a healthy integrated workplace management model. Methods: this article outlines the recommendations that support and seek to guide the local government in implementing the published model. The recommendations include the most effective control methods such as engineering controls and administrative controls and the least effective which is the use of appropriate protective clothing. The recommendations were presented using descriptive techniques, including the use of illustrations. Results: stalls or markets should be planned in such a way that is equipped, safe and secure; moreover, sidewalks and parking areas are to be left unobstructed in order to guarantee that pedestrian traffic is not hindered. Air pollution sampling in trading areas is required, including trading markets and stalls, food carts, and vehicle exhaust monitoring. Primary healthcare services should be extended to markets to accommodate informal vendors. Furthermore, informal vendors should be given the knowledge and skills needed for improvement in their trade. Conclusion: municipalities should restructure the current informal trading settings. Additionally, there is a need for rendering continuous services involving multi-sectoral departments and stakeholders.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Jan 25, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
PAMJ - One Health
Abstract Introduction: the current legislation and servicing of the informal trading sector is fr... more Abstract Introduction: the current legislation and servicing of the informal trading sector is fragmented, resulting in inefficient use of limited resources. The present article is based on an original study that was carried out in the inner city of Johannesburg, which comprised risk identification and impact management using quantitative methods including the development of a healthy integrated workplace management model. Methods: this article outlines the recommendations that support and seek to guide the local government in implementing the published model. The recommendations include the most effective control methods such as engineering controls and administrative controls and the least effective which is the use of appropriate protective clothing. The recommendations were presented using descriptive techniques, including the use of illustrations. Results: stalls or markets should be planned in such a way that is equipped, safe and secure; moreover, sidewalks and parking areas are to be left unobstructed in order to guarantee that pedestrian traffic is not hindered. Air pollution sampling in trading areas is required, including trading markets and stalls, food carts, and vehicle exhaust monitoring. Primary healthcare services should be extended to markets to accommodate informal vendors. Furthermore, informal vendors should be given the knowledge and skills needed for improvement in their trade. Conclusion: municipalities should restructure the current informal trading settings. Additionally, there is a need for rendering continuous services involving multi-sectoral departments and stakeholders.
PAMJ-OH, 2023
Abstract
Introduction: the current legislation and servicing of the informal trading sector is fr... more Abstract
Introduction: the current legislation and servicing of the informal trading sector is fragmented, resulting in inefficient use of limited resources. The present article is based on an original study that was carried out in the inner city of Johannesburg, which comprised risk identification and impact management using quantitative methods including the development of a healthy integrated workplace management model.
Methods: this article outlines the recommendations that support and seek to guide the local government in implementing the published model. The recommendations include the most effective control methods such as engineering controls and administrative controls and the least effective which is the use of appropriate protective clothing. The recommendations were presented using descriptive techniques, including the use of illustrations.
Results: stalls or markets should be planned in such a way that is equipped, safe and secure; moreover, sidewalks and parking areas are to be left unobstructed in order to guarantee that pedestrian traffic is not hindered. Air pollution sampling in trading areas is required, including trading markets and stalls, food carts, and vehicle exhaust monitoring. Primary healthcare services should be extended to markets to accommodate informal vendors. Furthermore, informal vendors should be given the knowledge and skills needed for improvement in their trade.
Conclusion: municipalities should restructure the current informal trading settings. Additionally, there is a need for rendering continuous services involving multi-sectoral departments and stakeholders.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Jan 30, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Feb 3, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
PAMJ - One Health
Introduction: informal vendors are among the most deprived sections of the informal sector. The d... more Introduction: informal vendors are among the most deprived sections of the informal sector. The daily and prolonged exposure to biomass fuel and outdoor air pollution is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this industry. Methods: a crosssectional pilot study was conducted among 100 informal vendors at 38 indoor (inside buildings) and outdoor (roadside or street) vendor, stalls within Johannesburg, South Africa. The purpose of the pilot study was to determine the suitability of the data collection tools for the main study, which included the walkthrough survey checklist and the previously validated respiratory questionnaire by the British Medical Research Council. Furthermore, it was to obtain a snapshot of demographic profile, occupational risk factors, and respiratory symptoms among informal vendors. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Results: there were more roadside vendors, often exposed to air pollutants, as compared to vendors inside buildings. Most vendors in the study had access to water. The hygiene status in and around stalls was found to be below acceptable standards. Most were female vendors (63%), with an average age of 25-34 years. Fifty-five percent of the stalls sold cooked food; with most selling meat (58%) and porridge (55%). Most vendors worked more than 8 hours (73%) a day. Female vendors also noted cooking at home, reflecting an increased risk of exposure. Twenty-six percent of the vendors lived nearby heavily trafficked roads and 20% lived near large industrial pollution sources. Smoking vendors were 12% and 35% experienced passive smoking. The results reflected an improper respiratory protective equipment usage, with 54% using cloth masks, and 73% reporting changing of masks at least three times a week. Upper respiratory symptoms were most prevalent in cooking vendors, with no report of chronic diseases. Conclusion: therefore, we conclude that occupational health management is required in improving the workplace conditions and eliminating illness and disability related to work in this industry; thus ensuring the business's operations and stakeholder involvement are strengthened
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021
The overall unemployment rate in South Africa was impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic... more The overall unemployment rate in South Africa was impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which led many people to resort to informal work such as street trading opportunities in big cities. However, this work is located in the same cities where air pollution is of concern. Furthermore, literature has indicated the lack of regulation of the informal trading sector as compared to the formal sector. An analytical cross-sectional study is proposed to be conducted amongst all of the informal food street vendors (indoor/inside buildings and outdoor/street pavements stalls) in the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa. By adopting a total sampling method of 746 vendor stalls, this study’s key focus is on inhalation as an occupational exposure. In addition, the study aims to assess the respiratory risk factors amongst informal food street vendors’ stalls and their impact on vendors’ respiratory health. The risk factors to be assessed include the five common air pollutants: stre...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Context: Within the urban areas, especially the central business districts, informal trading is g... more Context: Within the urban areas, especially the central business districts, informal trading is growing in large numbers, and the informal vendor’s health is also at risk. Despite various frameworks developed for this industry, there are few guidance and implementation strategies on how to accomplish better-managed informal trading, mostly one that entails better occupational settings. Objective: The goal of the proposed model is to improve the working conditions for informal vendors in South Africa by redesigning the current informal trading management approach, thus ensuring a healthy workplace. An evidence-based approach was used to inform the development of this model. Results: This paper outlines the current challenges of informal vendors in urban areas as per the quantitative health risk assessment study that was conducted in 16 markets amongst 617 informal food vendors in the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa. The study investigated the respiratory health caused by air...
IJERPH, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
The conversation , 2022
Vendors lack proper infrastructure to ensure protection against environmental health hazards.
Cities & Health
The inappropriate handling and disposal of soiled nappies have contributed to the negative impact... more The inappropriate handling and disposal of soiled nappies have contributed to the negative impact on the environment and public health in general. This commentary seeks to highlight the environment...
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Papers by Dr Mercy M Sepadi
affected by air quality is important for informing air quality regulations and determining the integrated social–environmental approach to adopt. This systematic review evaluates the impact of air pollution on these groups, investigates socio-economic factors that increaseexposure, and assesses mitigation measures.
Methods: The review followed the PRISMA guidelines and analyzed quantitative studies conducted in South Africa, which were published between 2014 and 2024. The studies’ sources included databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Data from 47 eligible studies were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Results show that women, children, and low-income communities
tend to bear the brunt of poor air quality. Children are the most affected by poor air quality, with significant respiratory issues. Pregnant women are vulnerable to adverse birth outcomes. The results indicate that of the 47 studies reviewed, 51% focused on the effects of air pollution on children, whilst fewer studies (26%) focused on women. This may point to a gap in research on the specific impacts of air pollution on women. Low-income
communities face increased exposure due to proximity to pollutant sources and substandard housing. The results further indicated that of the health impacts experienced by vulnerable populations, general health issues (96%) and respiratory health issues (89%) are the most prominent health impacts. Conclusions: The study underscores the need for
stricter air quality regulations, public education, and an integrated social–environmental approach to mitigate exposure in vulnerable populations.
Keywords: air pollution; vulnerable populations; women; children; South Africa; public health; socio-economic factors; PRISMA
Introduction: the current legislation and servicing of the informal trading sector is fragmented, resulting in inefficient use of limited resources. The present article is based on an original study that was carried out in the inner city of Johannesburg, which comprised risk identification and impact management using quantitative methods including the development of a healthy integrated workplace management model.
Methods: this article outlines the recommendations that support and seek to guide the local government in implementing the published model. The recommendations include the most effective control methods such as engineering controls and administrative controls and the least effective which is the use of appropriate protective clothing. The recommendations were presented using descriptive techniques, including the use of illustrations.
Results: stalls or markets should be planned in such a way that is equipped, safe and secure; moreover, sidewalks and parking areas are to be left unobstructed in order to guarantee that pedestrian traffic is not hindered. Air pollution sampling in trading areas is required, including trading markets and stalls, food carts, and vehicle exhaust monitoring. Primary healthcare services should be extended to markets to accommodate informal vendors. Furthermore, informal vendors should be given the knowledge and skills needed for improvement in their trade.
Conclusion: municipalities should restructure the current informal trading settings. Additionally, there is a need for rendering continuous services involving multi-sectoral departments and stakeholders.
affected by air quality is important for informing air quality regulations and determining the integrated social–environmental approach to adopt. This systematic review evaluates the impact of air pollution on these groups, investigates socio-economic factors that increaseexposure, and assesses mitigation measures.
Methods: The review followed the PRISMA guidelines and analyzed quantitative studies conducted in South Africa, which were published between 2014 and 2024. The studies’ sources included databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Data from 47 eligible studies were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Results show that women, children, and low-income communities
tend to bear the brunt of poor air quality. Children are the most affected by poor air quality, with significant respiratory issues. Pregnant women are vulnerable to adverse birth outcomes. The results indicate that of the 47 studies reviewed, 51% focused on the effects of air pollution on children, whilst fewer studies (26%) focused on women. This may point to a gap in research on the specific impacts of air pollution on women. Low-income
communities face increased exposure due to proximity to pollutant sources and substandard housing. The results further indicated that of the health impacts experienced by vulnerable populations, general health issues (96%) and respiratory health issues (89%) are the most prominent health impacts. Conclusions: The study underscores the need for
stricter air quality regulations, public education, and an integrated social–environmental approach to mitigate exposure in vulnerable populations.
Keywords: air pollution; vulnerable populations; women; children; South Africa; public health; socio-economic factors; PRISMA
Introduction: the current legislation and servicing of the informal trading sector is fragmented, resulting in inefficient use of limited resources. The present article is based on an original study that was carried out in the inner city of Johannesburg, which comprised risk identification and impact management using quantitative methods including the development of a healthy integrated workplace management model.
Methods: this article outlines the recommendations that support and seek to guide the local government in implementing the published model. The recommendations include the most effective control methods such as engineering controls and administrative controls and the least effective which is the use of appropriate protective clothing. The recommendations were presented using descriptive techniques, including the use of illustrations.
Results: stalls or markets should be planned in such a way that is equipped, safe and secure; moreover, sidewalks and parking areas are to be left unobstructed in order to guarantee that pedestrian traffic is not hindered. Air pollution sampling in trading areas is required, including trading markets and stalls, food carts, and vehicle exhaust monitoring. Primary healthcare services should be extended to markets to accommodate informal vendors. Furthermore, informal vendors should be given the knowledge and skills needed for improvement in their trade.
Conclusion: municipalities should restructure the current informal trading settings. Additionally, there is a need for rendering continuous services involving multi-sectoral departments and stakeholders.