Global warming

 

Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide and other air pollutants and greenhouse gasses collect in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight and solar radiation that have bounced off the earth’s surface. Normally, this radiation would escape into space but these pollutants, which can last for years to centuries in the atmosphere, trap the heat and cause the planet to get hotter.

This is known as the greenhouse effect. It is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century. The largest human influence has been emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.

Some effects of Global warming to the environment includes global rising in sea level that increases the rate of flood. Also Forests, farms, will be attacked by troublesome new pests, heat waves, heavy downpours, and increased flooding. Hence, destroy agriculture and fisheries.

Allergies, asthma, and infectious disease outbreaks will become more common due to increased growth of higher levels of air pollution, and the spread of conditions favorable to pathogens and mosquitoes.  Other likely changes include more frequent extreme weather events including heat waves, droughts, heavy rainfall with floods and heavy snowfall, ocean acidification, and species extinctions due to shifting temperatures.

BY: RAPHAEL DELALI MENSAH

 

Impact of electronic waste

 

 

Over the years the production of electrical and electronic equipment has been on the rise, following the mass development in technology. This has exposed humans to adverse health and environmental hazards, due to the components of various electronic equipment.

Electronic waste (also known as e-waste) is used to describe the old life and end life of electronic appliances (such as laptops, televisions, mobile phones, amongst others) which has been disposed off by their original owners. E-waste has been classified with respect to 26 common components found in them into three main categories. Namely;

• Large household appliances (refrigerator, washing machine)
• IT and Telecom      (monitor, laptop)
• Consumer Equipment (television)

Electronic appliances are made up of various components. Some containing a fairly large amount of toxic substances and if not handled properly can have an adverse impact on human health and the environment, especially to those in proximity with places where E-waste is recycled or burnt. These hazards arise often due to the improper way of recycling and disposal of the electronic appliances.

Some health implications of E-waste may include;

• Motor neuropathy
• Anemia
• Damages of all parts of nephron and reproductive systems of both males and females
• Tubular dysfunction
• Infection of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the fetus
• Kidney damage
• Lung and skin cancer

Some environmental hazards may also include;

• The open burning of wires electronic appliances by E-waste traffickers in order to get certain precious commodities like copper and other metals, release hydrocarbons into the air.
• The ground water of local communities is being destroyed when dumped shells of wires like the cathode ray tube (often found in televisions) leach through the soil. This goes a long way to endanger both the humans and different species of animals that depend on the water for survival.

It also poses a security threat on individuals and companies. If information on a hard drive is not properly cleared before thrown away, it can be accessed by anybody thereby putting sensitive information in the hand of wrong people.

Electronic waste can be managed through the following

• Dismantling the equipment into various parts and save working and repairable parts including chips, RAM, transistors, amongst others.
• Electronics can be donated for reuse, which extends their lives and also keep them out of waste management system for a long time.
• One could also opt to buy electronic products that are made with fewer toxic constituents and also use recycled contents.

Awareness regarding the existence and dangers of E-waste must be created amongst various communities.

BY: NADIA KARREN HIBBERT

CONSTANT NOISE POLLUTION

Noise-making or noise pollution is a natural phenomenon among Ghanaians. This noise-making sometimes seem unbearable but complaints made by concerned citizens has yielded no results. Noise problems like loud music, noisy pubs, neighbour’s parties, churches and others are examples of the menace we face in the society. Let me begin with the noise churches make.

It’s a known fact that Ghanaians are very religious; the majority professing to be Christians. The worship of a good number of these Christian denominations is characterized by noise-making.

Their petitions to their maker have to be made with loud outcries, shouts and screams, amidst a lot of clapping and stamping of feet. Virtually all of them employ loud speakers making the happenings within the church hall reach the ears of neighbours far and near.

It leaves me to wonder if the pastors and members of the noise-making churches know for a fact that there exists something called pollution and nuisance; which their noisy activities can be classified as such.

Among other things, noise pollution has been identified to pose health risk to individuals and these perils may include hearing mutilation, deafness, hypertension, insomnia, mental disorder and abortion. Some health specialists even indicate that exposure to excessive noise can induce premature ejaculation and lead to cardio vascular ailments.

The constant noise-making has resulted in conflicts, complaints, and a lot of ill-feeling between noise makers and members of the community. Members of the community have had occasion of accusing the perpetrators of taking away their peace of mind and much needed sleep, with their nuisance.

On some occasions, traditional religious practices have clashed violently with churches and noise perpetrators during Homowo festivities; the Ga traditional council insists strictly on total quiet; placing a ban on all noise-making activities.

To solve the problem of noise pollution and its ramifications, some have advocated establishing a middle-ground between drinking pubs, restaurants, shops, bars,churches and members of the community who are adversely affected by the constant noise-making, especially since our constitution frowns on unnecessarily disturbing the public peace. Some have even looked at it from the scientific perspective; insisting that Noise pollution constitutes a serious health hazard.

If noise pollution is controlled or significantly reduced, the environment will be serene with no provocations.

Laws on noise-making should be enforced. Stakeholders should also meet to deliberate and brainstorm on ways to create a more considerate atmosphere for everyone.

BY: CHRISTIAN ELORM AHORGAH

SALES OF FOOD IN UNHYGIENIC CONDITION

It is rather unfortunate that in many parts of the country, not excluding the cities and towns, people continue to sell all kinds of food to school children in leaves that are obviously dirty. Not only that, many of the sellers expose the food they sell to dust and flies without the slightest let. Surprisingly, some of the food sellers are dirty themselves and tend to contaminate the food they sell by their very touch.

These, I believe have caused the present high rate of diarrhoea  and dysentery among pupils in some parts of the country. I would therefore like to appeal to the authorities concerned to ban the sales of food in leaves,  rather they should use take-away packs. Also, pupils should send their own bowls to any vendor stands or school for their food.

I wish to call on all heads of educational institutions or any person it may concern to have keen interest in whatever is being sold to the students and pupils on their hygiene are meticulously obeyed.

BY: GODWIN HENRY AUGUSTT

 

 

I will make Accra cleanest city in Africa – Nana Akufo-Addo

President Nana Akuffo Addo has pledged to Ghanaians, mostly Greater Accra residents that he will make Accra the cleanest city in Africa in his first term of office. “The commitment we are making and which I want you all to make with me is that by the time we end our four-year term, Accra is going to be the cleanest city in Africa,” he stated.

The President made the promise in an address he delivered after he had been enstooled as a chief by the people of Jamestown and the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council under the title Nii Kwaku Abladey Okudzeaman I, which means ‘Royal Warrior who champions the welfare of his people’.

Although, Accra as the capital of the country is more developed than most parts of the country, some parts of the city have been battling with poor sanitation for some years now with places near  the beach been affected the most.

President Akuffo Addo said the beauty of the national capital have deteriorated over the years as a result of various human activities that have destroyed the once glorious city.

He recalled Jamestown area in the Greater Accra as the centre of the city, but said history had taken that away from the good people of the area. “In our time, we are going to bring back the glory of Jamestown and British Accra,” he stressed.

He said during the campaign time, he promised the people of the area that if he was successful; he would construct a fishing harbor in Jamestown, and announced, to the delight of the gathering, that plans were far advanced for that project and that by the close of the year, they would start seeing physical work taking place.

He, therefore, enlisted the support and co-operation of the people of Accra in making that dream a reality.

BY: ERIC KOFI ASIAMAH

 

 

Cell Phones; “Possibly Carcinogenic

The scientists were right, cell phones can indeed cause cancer.

There have been claims of a possible cancer connection from cell phones and a new study backs up the claims.

According to a pharmacologists,  these data are clear signs of the real risk this kind of radiation poses on human health.

Douglas Aiddo a pharmacologist at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology indicated that, the damage can add up over time and cause a variety of health problems, like cancer, headache, fatigue, and even skin problems.

For example, using a cell phone for just 20 minutes a day for five years increases the risk of one type of brain tumor threefold, and using the phone for an hour a day for four years increases the risk of some tumors three to five times, he said.

But even though the risk of brain and other related cancers was low as at 2012, there were 6.4 cases per 100,000( in adults). Douglas says we should be on alert because these ailments can take up to 30 years to develop.

The data were obtained on adults who used cell phones mostly up to 10 years. He said, “The situation can dramatically differ for children who use cells phone in childhood, because their biology is more sensitive to hazardous factors.

Mr. Douglas again stated that, “To minimize your risk, use your cell phone less and go hands-free to keep the frequency away from your head.

BY: ERIC KOFI ASIAMAH

 

what honey does in the human body

 

Honey is a sweet liquid made by bees using nectar from flowers.  Bees first convert the nectar into honey by a process of regurgitation and evaporation; they store it as a primary food source in wax honeycombs inside the beehive. Honey can then be harvested from the hives for human consumption.

Honey is graded by color, with the clear, golden amber honey often at a higher retail price than darker varieties. Honey flavor will vary based on the types of flower from which the nectar was harvested. Both raw and pasteurized forms of honey are available. Raw honey is removed from the hive and bottled directly, and as such will contain trace amounts of yeast, wax and pollen.

Consuming local raw honey is believed to help with seasonal allergies due to repeated exposure to the pollen in the area. Pasteurized honey has been heated and processed to remove impurities.

Honey has high levels of monosaccharides, fructose and glucose, containing about 70 to 80 percent sugar, which gives it its sweet taste- minerals and water make up the rest of its composition. Aside receiving pleasure from its sweet taste, honey also provides some health benefits which may include;

• It helps prevents cancer and heart diseases
• It reduces ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders
• It reduces cough and other throat irritations
• It increases athletic performances
• Also, it helps regulate blood- sugar levels
• It heals wounds and burns

It possesses antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

Due to its high content of glucose honey is not recommended for diabetics; also since babies are not known for their immunity, they cannot be fed with honey as it may contain some bacteria.

There are many ways to prepare and consume honey; however some ways are considered wrong. For example; adding honey in hot water or beverages destroys the enzymes in honey which tends to reduce its overall health-giving benefits.

While honey can be consumed at any time in the day, it is most recommended to consume it in the morning, when the body needs an energy boost to carry out the days’ activities.

BY: NAA MANKO ODIKO

Kwashiorkor and it’s dangers

Kwashiorkor, also known as “edematous malnutrition” because of its association with edema (fluid retention), is a nutritional disorder most often seen in regions experiencing famine. It is a form of malnutrition caused by a lack of protein in the diet. People suffering from kwashiorkor typically have an extremely emaciated appearance in all body parts except their ankles, feet, and belly, which swell with fluid.

Studies have shown that  Ghana losses gh 2.66billion annually over children under malnutrition and available stastics by the Ghana health service indicates 12,000 children die every year of under weight, a related ailment due to malnutrition.

Kwashiorkor is easily treated with a change in diet and those who are treated early usually have a full recovery. You can prevent kwashiorkor by eating a balanced diet with enough carbohydrates, fat, and protein.

Kwashiorkor is rarely found in the United States and other countries with a generally steady food supply. It’s most common in sub-Saharan Africa and other countries where people routinely have a limited supply of food.

Most people who are affected by kwashiorkor recover fully if they are treated early. Treatment involves introducing extra calories and protein into the diet. Children who develop kwashiorkor may not grow or develop properly and may remain stunted for the rest of their lives. There can be serious complications when treatment is delayed, including coma, shock, and permanent mental and physical disabilities. Kwashiorkor can be life-threatening if it’s left untreated. It can cause major organ failure and eventually death.

Experts advice pregnant women attend atenantal to be educated and breast feed their babies to avoid such difeiencey.

BY: Mavis selorm Akrobortu

Medicines sold in vehicles are not stored under the right temperature condition

Medicine is the science and practice of the diagnosis treatment and prevention of disease.

Medicines  must  be  kept  at  cool  and  dry  places away  from  direct  sunlight.

Some of the medicines which are not sold under these conditions tend to have serious health implications on it’s users other than serve it’s original propose.

In some parts of Ghana it has become a norm for some people to buy medicines at the roadside, bus stops, in vehicles and at lorry stations. These medicines sold at these inappropriate places are mostly not labeled ; which means they are not licensed or expired. The situation has been going on for some time now and it seems some Ghanaians do not concern about the risk involved. The risks associated with buying medicines under such conditions include;

• Inaccurate diagnosis
• Using inappropriate medications that cause side effects
• Masking the symptoms of a serious condition
• Delaying medical advice
• Inaccurate dosage that leads to accidental overdose
• Mixing medications that are not safe to mix which may result in legal costs or health concerns
• Risk of developing an addition or several addictions .

In worst case scenario self medication can lead to severe health conditions or even death.

Some of these medicine sellers take advantage of the fact that people buy any medicine introduced to them that cures a particular disease to sell more of their products to them. The fight against the sale of illegal drugs in the country has become difficult because of the ignorance level of some citizens.  Ghanaians need some sort of education on this act to  help  eradicate the  practice.

In 2014 the FDA indicated that the drug market is constantly flooded with expired, unregistered, substandard, fake drugs, cosmetics, medical equipment and household chemical substances. The world health organization report estimated that each year, over 800,000 people, most from Ghana and other parts of Africa die because of fake drugs as they are less expensive and more accessible than the original ones.

It is often easier to avoid the cost and hassle of visiting a doctor and use prescription medication to alleviate the symptoms of an illness or physical discomfort.

BY: JESSICA BONIBA GHARTEY

Lets save our water bodies

 

 

The imminent threat of Ghana’s water resources running dry in a few years get scarier by the day. Many of the country’s water sources had been heavily polluted over the years with rubbish, chemicals used in mining and inorganic fertilizers used for agriculture.

In Ghana, close to three million people rely on surface water to meet their daily water needs. 85 percent of Ghanaians lack access to improved sanitation and are entirely without toilet facilities, forcing them to use alternate options such as open defecation, exposing themselves and their community members to various diseases. 70 percent of all diseases in Ghana are caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation.

Water pollution is a major global problem which requires ongoing evaluation and revision of water resource policy at all levels. It also the leading worldwide cause of deaths and diseases.

Everybody has the responsibility to protect the environment. Once we destroy our environment we are being destroyed too.

Let help save our water bodies.

BY: AMANDA YAYRA TOPPAR