CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Introduction

Over the last decades there has been increasing global concern over the health impacts attributed to environmental degradation, in particular, the global burden of disease. (Anand, and Harris, 1994). The inimical effect of environmental degradation on human health has been an area of constant debate, and as well perceived in different dimensions. In the words of Vincent and Paulio, (2002). The term “environment” is better appreciated as perceived. Thus, the term defies a universally acknowledged method of description or definition. For instance, environment has been conceived as a system within which living organisms interact with the physical elements (Sada, 1988). This means that, environment can be conceived as the condition, circumstances and influences of organisms (Strahler, 1977). In addition, the environment is made of a number of spheres which include the hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Within these spheres are a number of interrelated activities in operation. However, Okon, (1994) said that environmental degradation is of many types. When natural habitats are destroyed or natural resources are depleted, the environment is degraded.

  The  World  Health  Organization  (WHO)  estimates  that  about  a quarter of the diseases facing mankind today occur due to prolonged exposure to environmental  degradation.  Most of these environment-related diseases are however not easily detected and may be acquired during childhood and manifested later in adulthood. Improper  management  of  solid  waste  is  one  of  the  main  causes  of environmental degradation  in  many  cities,  especially  in  developing countries.  Many  of  these  cities  lack  solid  waste  regulations  and  proper  disposal facilities,  including  for  harmful  waste.    Such waste may be infectious, toxic or radioactive. Municipal  waste  dumping  sites  are  designated  places  set  aside  for  waste disposal.   Poor  waste  management  poses  a  great  challenge  to  the  well-being  of  city residents,  particularly  those  living  adjacent  the  dumpsites  due  to  the  potential  of the waste to pollute water,  food sources, land, air and vegetation. The poor disposal and handling of waste thus leads to environmental degradation, destruction of the ecosystem and poses great risks to public health.

            Essentially, environmental degradation relates to the depreciation in the qualities and quantities of vegetation, soil air and water resources, among others. On the other hand, miller, (1989) puts environmental degradation more succinctly to mean a downward trend in the environmental resources such that their level of use in the human societies equally decreases at an increasing rate. The environmental degradation affects our health in a variety of ways. The interaction between human health and the environment has been extensively studied and environmental risks have been proven to significantly impact human health, either directly by exposing people to harmful agents, or indirectly, by disrupting life-sustaining ecosystems. However, this study sought to examine environmental degradation and health related challenges in Akwa Ibom State.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Environmental pollution is the biggest challenge facing humanity as pollution of the air and sea directly affects our lives. Human existences come under threat if pollution level increases to hazardous levels.  Some states in Nigeria frequently face the haze-related pollution yearly due to wild fires in their neighboring country aggravated by the practice of open burning in the environment. Factories are also culprits as they emit pollutants and hazardous waste substances either into the air or into the sea. The increasing number of vehicles which emit the dangerous carbon monoxide and green house gases add to the danger face by human beings. The rural and urban environment is constantly being exposed to environmental degradation due to rapid development and human activity to advance their lives.

These industrial activities do not only create health hazards to the people of the land, it also create negative effect to them with regard to excessive pollution. The prevalent disturbance of the industries may reduce the standard of well being of the people of Akwa Ibom State. It is against this background that this research work is conducted to find out how environmental degradation and health related challenges in Akwa Ibom State.

1.3. Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives were as follows:

1          To ascertain the effects of air pollution as environmental degradation with regard to human health in Akwa Ibom State

2          To investigate the extent to which improper waste management affect human health in Akwa Ibom State

3.         To determine whether water pollution affects human health in Akwa Ibom State

1.4. Research Questions

1.         What is the effect of air pollution as environmental degradation on human health in Akwa Ibom State?

2).        What is the effect of improper waste management on human health in Akwa Ibom State?

3.         To find out the effects of water pollution on human health in Akwa Ibom State?

1.5.    Research Hypotheses

1          There is no significant effect of air pollution as environmental degradation on human health in Akwa Ibom State

2          There is no significant effect of improper waste management on human health in Akwa Ibom State

3          There is no significant effect of water pollution on human health in Akwa Ibom State

1.6       Significance of the Study

The significance of this study can be viewed from the following perspectives.

1.        One main significance of this study is that when completed, it would serve as a bridge for the gap that have been created between where previous works on this subject area stopped and today.

2         This study is significant in the sense that it’s finding would serve as a base and framework for future researchers to carry out further studies in the field of knowledge under study.

 4         The outcome of this research is hoped to be of immense use to students of social science since it contains information on how to improve environmental degradation.

6          The Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) are not left out as beneficiaries of this research. They would benefit from the research findings.

7          The significance of this study would include all those who would benefit from and use the information from the study like researchers or students of organizational behaviour, environmentalist and shareholders.

1.7       Scope of the Study

The study was delimited to examine environmental degradation and health related challenges in Akwa Ibom State variables such as improper waste management, air pollution and water pollution.

Spatially, this work was delimited to Uyo Local Government.

1.8       Organization of the Study

This research aims at examining the environmental degradation and health related challenges in Akwa Ibom State. The study is made up of five chapters, chapter incorporates introduction, statement of problem, objectives of the study, hypotheses, definition of terms, scope of the study and organization of the study. Chapter two being literature review, contained review of related literature such as environmental degradation and human health. Chapter three was handling the methodology of the work incorporating study area, design, instrumentation, administration of the instrument, population of the study and data analysis technique, Chapter four incorporates result of the data analysis and discussion of the findings. Chapter five incorporates summary of the study, conclusion, recommendations and suggestions for further research.

1.8       Limitations of the Study

            It is inevitable that a survey research of this nature must have some constraints which impact on this study. The study was limited strictly to Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Insufficiency in research funding reared its head to perhaps limit the researcher’s efforts and interest during typing, photocopying and binding processes.

            The Nigerian culture of anti-intellectualism was another limiting factor experienced from the employees of the proposed research centers. Initially, the researcher did not elicit the correct response when he presented his research endeavour in academic terms to the employees who were unwilling to co-operate. The irrational and unpredictable behaviour of human beings who characteristically behave and react differently to the same situation was seen when some individuals were willing to give the needed and pertinent information. Others were different, atimes reluctant and even refused to co-operate under persuasion.

            Lastly, Nigerians have a phobia for census to the extent that the researcher was often mistaken for a census official by the individual and may be denied vital research information. They also have a phobia for giving information about themselves. These problems were however overcome when the researcher became closer and familiar to the respondents by visiting them more regular to ensure that they can complete the administered questionnaire as expected.

1.9       Definition of Terms

Environmental degradation: this refers to deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water and soil.

Health challenges: this refers to ailment experience has a result of deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water and soil.