SOURCES AND IMPACTS OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AS PERCEIVED BY STUDENTS OF FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) UMUNZE ORUMBA SOUTH, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract This study investigated the sources and impacts of hazardous chemicals on the environment as perceived by students of Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze Orumba South, Anambra state. The study has four research questions and one null hypothesis with 0.05 level of significant difference. A survey design was used for the study. The total population for the study is one thousand three hundred and nine students (1309) which comprised of all the students in the two campuses. Purposive or judgmental sampling technique was used to sample three hundred and twenty-one students (321) which is the sum total of all the final year students from the four school of learning (school of business, school of education and general studies, school of industrial and technical education and school of science). A well-structured and validated questionnaire with 20 items was used to elicit responses from the respondents. The data was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Z-test was used to test hypothesis. Based on the findings, it was revealed that the impacts of hazardous chemicals include; respiratory issues, skin problems, air pollution. The findings also revealed strategies which include; awareness programs should be organized to educate the public, more tax force or environmental laws and policy enforcement committee should be employed. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommended among others that the college management should establish a hazardous waste management plan including proper storage, collection and disposal of chemicals, the college should invest in eco-friendly alternative to harmful chemicals. Implications, limitations and suggestions was highlighted in the study.