The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Health hosted a World Environment and No Tobacco Day at Alex Mall on Monday, 12 June 2023. The aim of the event was to create awareness around the negative impact of waste pollution on the environment and the harmful effect tobacco smoke has on a person’s health. Residents of Alex came in their numbers and had the opportunity to test their blood sugar levels, high blood pressure and HIV status. 

They also interacted with the City’s environmental health employees about environmental health issues such as excessive air pollution in the township, illegal dumping and rodent problem. 

Resident Pat Hlungwane said: “I am glad that I am getting the opportunity to talk to the City employees on how we can manage pollution in the township.”

The City’s environmental health unit plays a critical role in promoting health and preventing disease.

They services include water quality monitoring, food control, waste management, health surveillance of premises, surveillance and prevention of communicable disease, vector control and environmental pollution. 

Residents of Alex were also educated about the negative impact of a hookah smoke and how it has become a recreational activity that the youth partake in and is seen as a ‘better’ option to traditional tobacco smoke.

Hookah smoke equally causes lung, bladder and oral cancer and heart disease.