Sources of Danger: Dangerous Chemicals – Basic 2 Security Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:

• identify dangerous chemicals such as acid, asbestos
• explain the effects of dangerous chemicals on health

Lesson Content:

What are Dangerous Chemicals? Dangerous chemicals are substances that can hurt our body, skin, or make us very sick. They are not safe to touch or breathe.

Examples of Dangerous Chemicals:

1. Acid: A liquid that can burn skin and clothes
2. Asbestos: Tiny fibers that hurt our lungs when we breathe them
3. Bleach: Chemical used for cleaning that can burn
4. Pesticides: Chemicals used to kill insects
5. Paint thinner: Liquid that can make us dizzy
6. Battery acid: Liquid inside batteries that burns

Where We Find Dangerous Chemicals:

• In cleaning products at home
• In car batteries
• In some building materials
• In pest control sprays
• In some paints
• In laboratories

Effects of Dangerous Chemicals on Health:

Immediate Effects:

• Skin burns and wounds
• Eye irritation and blindness
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing and sneezing
• Stomach pain if swallowed

Long-term Effects:

• Lung diseases
• Cancer (very serious sickness)
• Permanent skin damage
• Problems with breathing forever
• Damage to internal organs

Safety Rules Around Chemicals:

1. Never touch unknown substances
2. Don’t smell strange liquids
3. Keep chemicals away from children
4. Wash hands after contact
5. Tell adults immediately if you touch any
6. Don’t play near chemical containers

Multiple Choice Exercise:

1. Dangerous chemicals are substances that: a) Make us healthy b) Can hurt our body c) Taste very good d) Help us grow tall 
2. Acid is dangerous because it can: a) Make us happy b) Help us sleep c) Burn our skin d) Make us run fast 
3. If you see a dangerous chemical, you should: a) Touch it quickly b) Smell it c) Tell an adult d) Drink it 
4. Asbestos is dangerous to our: a) Hair b) Lungs c) Teeth d) Nails 

Answers: 1(b), 2(c), 3(c), 4(b)