Background:
In 2002, the residents of the Morningstar/Vissershok area raised concerns about alleged mercury poisoning. This stemmed from the results of an independent study (Kuhn Study), by a consultant commissioned by the residents. The results of the study, indicated high levels of exposure to certain chemicals, in particular, mercury.
The City Health Directorate took these concerns very seriously and proactively responded by forming an Inter-Governmental Task Team (IGTT). This team comprised of officials from the various authorities at National, Provincial and Local Authority Level. Representatives from industries and the community in the area were also included in the IGTT.
The Department of Public Health and Family Medicine at the University of Cape Town (UCT), was commissioned to conduct a study, investigating mercury absorption amongst residents in the area. The UCT researchers set out to obtain random urine samples of residents in the Vissershok area as well as a control area in Noordhoek. The study also took into account the demographic and lifestyle information, occupational and environmental exposure to mercury of the participants.
The results of the study are contained in the documents below: -