Focus for 2022

Problems with Chalk Dust

Students attending underdeveloped schools in Ghana are taught on blackboards. The teachers in these schools use chalk as a writing tool on the blackboards. After each lesson, the teacher erases the blackboard with a cleaner or duster. During this process, the chalk dust becomes airborne which pollutes indoor air quality. The particles settle on clothes, body parts, and study materials. Particles from chalk dust are harmful to allergic persons and may cause respiratory problems such as asthma. This may affect a student’s ability to learn in a clean and safe environment.