Sunday, June 29, 2008 Speak out: Environmental health affects quality life of school children By Perlita E. Tumali
THE condition of our environment has become a national and international issue, as well as public health factor impacting on the well-being of people of all ages.
The human environment comprises all that is about us. It includes the water and air that is necessary for life, not only for people but also for all living animals birds, and vegetation.
Problems may arise when we use the environment in ways that are dangerous to other life, when we overload a part of environment and it is destroyed, or when the health of individuals is affected.
For these reasons, the Revised Basic Elementary Curriculum (RBEC) should include learning experiences that will teach all elementary pupils and high school students about the environment, the dangers presently facing humanity, and the importance of taking personal actions to protect the earth on which we live.
Elementary pupils and high school students should have increasing interest in the environment. They can begin to care for their immediate environment -- their home, yard, school, and community.
During this period for their life, they need to be aware of the importance of caring for the nature and the environment. At this time, positive attitude and behavioral patterns are being established that will carry into adult lives.
Many of these attitudes and behavior will affect their individual personal health status. Thus, the elementary pupils and high school students should understand that the environment is important because everyone contributes on its quality.
Problems arise when we use the environment in ways that are hazardous to other life or when we overload a part of the environment and it is destroyed.
Among the environment health risk factors are air and water pollution, solid waste and noise, lead poisoning, and side stream smoke.
But the two environmental problems that, although they impact on the lives of everyone but are particularly a concern to the health of pupils and students are lead poisoning and side stream smoke. Both of these can adversely affect their physical and mental development.
