Constructing an EMF radiation Hygeia framework and model to demonstrate a public interest override
- Authors: Lech, James Chrystopher
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electromagnetic fields , Electromagnetic fields -- Health aspects , Electromagnetic fields -- Measurement , Public interest , Radiation -- Measurement , HYGEIA , Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58695 , vital:27364
- Description: Scientific views on EMF radiation dosimetry and models increasingly suggest that even a tiny increase in the incidence of diseases resulting from exposure to EMF radiation could have broad¹ implications for public health, social accounting and the economy. In South Africa (SA) there is no national EMF radiation exposure protection standard, statutory monitoring or regulations. Multinational High Court deliberations indicate the need for public interest EMF radiation exposure protection standards in South Africa. Domestic citizens, academics, as well as regulatory and legislative practitioners, are unable to effectively monitor and investigate EMF radiation exposure emissions from infrastructure sources, because industries refuse to provide the required data. Industries have, since 2003, continually obstructed access to the data and the establishment of a national EMF radiation standard, citing that it would be in conflict with their strategic economic interests. The demonstration of a public interest override (PIO) function is legislatively required to gain access to the required data. This study constructed (1) a framework and (2) a model to perform test simulations against the (3) PIO criteria to demonstrate a PIO function and tested one PIO simulation scenario. Testing the PIO scenario firstly required the construction of a public interest framework, drawing input from multiple disciplines. The framework literature review used systematic case law and scientific-technical analysis whilst the framework science sought to understand the connections, feedbacks, and trajectories that occur as a result of natural and human system processes and exchanges. The EMF radiation exposure system functions to support human wellbeing needs and to explore the benefits and losses associated with alternative futures with the goal to uncover the current and future limits thereof. In the second instance a HYGEIA² model was selected as a base investigation and forecast simulation tool. The study had to uncover the key attributes and parameters necessary to construct and to run successful EMF radiation exposure simulations. Thereafter the HYGEIA model was modified to specifically identify and evaluate EMF radiation exposure hazard conditions. Through subsequent simulation runs, the constructed framework was then tested. Requested anthroposphere information was synthesized within a systems model to forecast ecosystem services and human-use dynamics under alternative scenarios. The simulation used the model, the model references and the framework for guidelines, thus allowing multiple simulation / demonstration runs for different contexts or scenarios. The third step was the construction of a PIO checklist which guides criteria testing and provides a means of gaining pertinent information for further studies, based on this dissertation. Framework EMF radiation policy inputs into the model were intersected with identified vulnerable area facilities which were selected based on international criteria. The research output revealed potential EMF radiation violations which served as system feedback inputs in support of a demonstrated PIO function. The research recommends that the identified EMF radiation exposure violations of public health undergo a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) judicial review process to confirm the research findings. The judicial qualification of a PAIA PIO function of ‘substances released into the environment’ and ‘public safety or environmental risk’ would enable access to EMF radiation emissions data essential to future studies.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Directory of South African trade unions: a complete guide to all South Africa's trade unions
- Authors: Lundall, Paul , Schroeder, Ighsaan , Young, Gordon, 1953-
- Date: 1984-07
- Subjects: Labour unions -- South Africa -- Directories , Labour unions, Black -- South Africa -- Directories , Labour unions -- South Africa -- Statistics , Labour unions, Black -- South Africa -- Statistics
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/75971 , vital:30488 , 0799205931
- Description: Trade unions in South Africa are a growing force. The discussion that follows and the accompanying tables describe this in some detail. Finding accurate and consistent statistics is not always easy, but everyone in industrial relations relies on good information when making decisions. This analysis attempts to provide the best available information on trade unions today. There have been considerable legislative changes in industrial relations since 1979, but the growth of unions preceded that, and, indeed, caused it. Africans were "entering" unions several years before the Wiehahn Commission reported - often by forming new ones. Since Wiehahn, and the adaptations made by existing unions, the stream has become a torrent. Most new members are African workers; but 'Coloured' and Asian and White membership has also increased significantly.Yet at least 3 out of every 4 "organizeable" workers remain to be unionised. Plainly, the South African trade union movement has only begun its greatest period of growth.
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- Date Issued: 1984-07