Saturday, August 25, 2007 Chalk does not cause tuberculosis By Carlo P. Mallo
CONTRARY to popular beliefs, chalk does not cause tuberculosis (TB) and being a teacher doesn't make one more susceptible to the disease. Rather, it's all about health and one's immune system.
Department of Education (DepEd) regional medical officer Dr. Mariblanca Piatos said TB is in fact not prevalent among teachers.
In the 21,000 strong work force of DepEd, both faculty and non-teaching staff, only 63 cases of TB were recorded at the start of the year.
"Of the 63, 24 have already completed treatment, while 18 are still undergoing treatment," Piatos said in Friday's Kapihan sa PIA.
Dr. Parkash Mansukhani, a pulmonologist, said the nature of one's work does not have a direct effect on one's susceptibility in contracting tuberculosis.
"Even jobs that expose people to dangerous chemicals cannot be directly attributed to the contraction of TB," Mansukhani said.
He elaborated that everyone is exposed to the bacteria that carries TB.
"It is the low resistance of the person, which makes him vulnerable to tuberculosis," Mansukhani said.
The low fighting capability of one's immune system is one factor that makes the bacteria of tuberculosis enter his body, he added.
