"South Africa: Soweto's pollution alarms residents,children at risk", 02 Jan 18

In Johannesburg, tens of thousands of South Africans live at the foot of mountains of mining waste, a remnant of gold mining that has enriched the country, but now threatens the health of residents...More than 200 of these heavy-metal-contaminated hills, including uranium, have grown around Johannesburg, according to a study by the International Clinic for Human Rights at the United States' Harvard University...When this waste comes into contact with water, oxidation produces an extremely dangerous acidic mineral solution...Inhabitants accuse the government and the mining companies of not taking adequate action against pollution. Cough, asthma and eczema are common diseases in this area. Children play in dumps and bathe in toxic ponds...The researchers proved that the rate of respiratory and cardiac diseases is higher in this area