Chalk Dust: The Hidden Classroom Hazard

A Hidden Hazard

Teachers in Johannesburg's public secondary schools are facing an unseen challenge: chalk dust.

A recent study revealed alarming statistics:

• 95% of teachers have never received training on the risks of chalk dust.
• 76% of teachers do not take any precautions to protect themselves.

Simple but Insufficient Measures

Teachers often rely on basic actions to reduce exposure:

• Opening windows
• Washing hands
• Opening doors

However, these measures may not be enough.

Awareness Without Action

Despite the lack of training:

• 88% of teachers understand that chalk dust can harm their health.
• 50% know that chalk dust can enter the body through:
• Breathing
• Swallowing
• Touching the skin

Experience and Health Risks

The study also examined how years of teaching affect knowledge and health:

• Teachers with 25-30 years of experience seem to know more about the risks.
• Surprisingly, teachers with 5-10, 15-20, and 25-30 years of experience are more likely to suffer from health issues such as:
• Coughing
• Throat discomfort
• Nasal congestion
• Headaches

Critical Questions

This situation raises important questions:

• Why aren't teachers being trained on the risks of chalk dust?
• Why are they left to figure out their own safety measures?
• Why are some teachers more affected than others?

It's clear that more needs to be done to protect those who educate our children.