Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 2

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify causal factors of environmental health issues.
• Explain the effects of poor environmental health.
• Propose prevention strategies to solve these problems.
• Analyze real-life scenarios and suggest solutions.

Lesson summary

This lesson introduces the critical topic of Environmental Health, focusing on pollution in our immediate surroundings. In Ghana, we see the effects of pollution daily – from the plastic bags choking our gutters in Accra to the smoke from burning rubbish in our backyards, and the polluted rivers in mining communities. Understanding what causes this pollution, how it harms us, and what we can do to stop it is not just a school topic; it is a vital skill for living a healthy life and building a better community for ourselves and future generations. A clean environment means fewer diseases, better quality of life, and a more beautiful Ghana for everyone.

Lesson notes

A. What is Environmental Health? Environmental Health is the area of study and practice that looks at how our environment—the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we live on, and the food we eat—affects our physical and mental well-being. Good environmental health means our surroundings are clean, safe, and support a healthy life.

B. What is Environmental Pollution? Environmental Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the natural environment, which causes adverse change. These harmful substances are called pollutants. In simple terms, it means making our environment (land, water, air) dirty, unsafe, and unhealthy.

C. Main Types of Environmental Pollution (Causal Factors & Effects) Land Pollution Definition: The contamination of land surfaces with solid or liquid waste materials that can make the land unsightly, unhygienic, and unproductive. Causal Factors (Causes) in Ghana: Improper Waste Disposal: People throwing household rubbish ('borla') anywhere, especially into bushes, onto the streets, or at unauthorised dumpsites. Plastic Waste: The widespread use and careless disposal of plastic bags, water sachets ('pure water' bags), and plastic bottles, which do not rot and choke the land. Open Defecation: Easing oneself in open spaces like beaches, bushes, and drains instead of using toilets. This puts faecal matter directly onto the land. Illegal Mining ('Galamsey'): Mining activities that dig up large areas of land and often leave them barren and contaminated with chemicals like mercury and cyanide. Agricultural Chemicals: Overuse of fertilisers and pesticides by farmers can poison the soil. Effects: Health Problems: Germs from waste and faeces can spread diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea. Loss of Fertile Land: Soil becomes contaminated and can no longer be used for farming. Breeding Ground for Pests: Rubbish dumps become homes for rats, mosquitoes, and flies, which carry diseases. Ugly Environment: A polluted landscape is unpleasant to look at and reduces the value of the community. Water Pollution Definition: The contamination of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, lagoons, and groundwater, making the water unfit for its intended use (like drinking, swimming, or fishing). Causal Factors (Causes) in Ghana: Sewage and Domestic Waste: Pouring dirty water from bathing, washing, and toilets directly into gutters, which then flow into larger rivers like the Odaw River in Accra. Industrial Waste: Some factories release untreated chemical waste directly into nearby rivers and lagoons. 'Galamsey' Activities: Illegal miners use toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide to extract gold. These chemicals wash into rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Tano, poisoning them. Throwing Rubbish in Drains: When it rains, all the plastic and solid waste in our gutters is washed into streams and eventually the sea. Oil Spills: From ships or during transportation, which can contaminate large bodies of water. Effects: Water-Borne Diseases: Drinking contaminated water can cause serious illnesses like cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery. Death of Aquatic Life: Fish and other animals living in the water die due to poisoning from chemicals or lack of oxygen. Economic Impact: It becomes very expensive for the Ghana Water Company to treat polluted water before we can drink it. Fishermen lose their livelihoods. Unsafe for Recreation: People can no longer swim or play safely in polluted rivers. Air Pollution Definition: The presence of harmful substances, gases, and particles in the air at concentrations that interfere with human health, safety, or comfort. Causal Factors (Causes) in Ghana: Vehicle Emissions: Smoke and fumes from old cars, 'trotros', and motorbikes ('okada') that are not well-maintained. Burning of Waste: The common practice of burning household rubbish, including plastics, releases toxic smoke into the air. Industrial Smoke: Smoke from factories, power plants, and sawmills. Dust: From untarred roads, construction sites, and harmattan winds. Household Cooking: Smoke from using charcoal, firewood, and kerosene stoves for cooking. Effects: Respiratory Illnesses: Breathing polluted air can cause or worsen conditions like asthma, bronchitis, coughing, and other lung problems. Acid Rain: Pollutants in the air can mix with rain to form acid rain, which damages crops, buildings, and roofing sheets. Poor Visibility: Haze and smog can reduce visibility, affecting road and air transport. Global Warming: Certain gases contribute to climate change. Noise Pollution Definition: The presence of unwanted or excessive sound that can have harmful effects on human health and environmental quality. Causal Factors (Causes) in Ghana: Loud Music: From spinning spots, pubs, churches, and mosques, often late into the night. Commercial Activities: Sellers using megaphones and speakers in markets and lorry stations. Industrial and Construction Noise: Noise from machines like corn mills, generators, and construction equipment. Transportation: Honking horns from vehicles, especially in traffic jams. Effects: Hearing Problems: Long-term exposure to loud noise can lead to hearing loss. Stress and Health Issues: Noise can cause stress, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbances. Lack of Concentration: It is difficult to study, read, or concentrate in a noisy environment.

D. Prevention of Environmental Pollution (The 3Rs and More)

Evaluation guide

• B8.1.3.2
• Demonstrate
• understanding of basic
• ways of disposing of household and