Environment & Health Research Unit

Prof. Angela Mathee
Email: amathee@mrc.ac.za

The MRC Environment & Health Research Unit (E&HRU) consists of a multi-disciplinary research team with expertise in environmental epidemiology, chemistry, medicine, environmental science, quality of life and nutrition.

The goal of the E&HRU is to conduct research that is relevant to the burden of disease of the majority of people living in South Africa, and thus includes an emphasis on poverty and inequity. Currently, the E&HRU is conducting research projects related to:

• Emerging environment, health and social concerns in Johannesburg (the HEAD study);
• Lead poisoning in South African children
  • The role of lead poisoning in aggression and violence,
  • The feasibility of behaviour change in reducing lead exposure in children,
  • Trends in blood lead levels associated with the phase-out of leaded petrol and other interventions in South Africa;
• Exposure to persistent toxic substances in South African pregnant women and newborns;
• A study of DDT exposure in selected sites;
• Exposure to mercury in villages alongside the Inanda Dam, KZN;
• Strategies to cope with food insecurity amongst impoverished women living in Johannesburg;
• A study of the impact of social grants on the mental health of child care givers.

The E&HRU is the proud host of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Urban Health (WHOCCUH) which brings together expertise from four leading academic, service providers and research institutions to address specific urban health policy, program and project needs.

The partners of the WHOCCUH are:

• The South African Medical Research Council
• The University of Johannesburg
• The University of the Witwatersrand
• The City of Johannesburg
• World Health Organization

Prof. Angela Mathee, Director: Environment & Health Research Unit & Director: World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Urban Health

Director: Environment & Health Research Unit, Medical Research Unit;
Director: World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Urban Health
Visiting Professor, School of Public Health, University of Johannesburg;
Associate Professor, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand
Telephone: +27 11 274 6078
Facsimile: +27 11 642 6832