EcoWaste, ACRI zooms in on Microplastics
In anticipation of Earth Day, environmental watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition organized a seminar last April 18, 2024 in partnership with Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI), University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI), and the International Pollutants Elimination Network-Southeast and East Asia (IPEN-SEA) to talk about the prevalence and impacts of microplastics in the environment, as well as their effects on human health.
Several environmental and planetary experts provided insights on the severity of the crisis.
Microbial oceanographer Dr. Deo Florence Onda of UP MSI highlighted how plastic pollution most affects marine animals and that common seafood such as fishes and mussels available across the Philippines are likely to be contaminated with microplastics already, making them present in the food we eat.
Mr. Rodolfo Romarate II, EnP, MSc presented a study on Suspended Atmospheric Microplastics (SAMPs) wherein it was detected in 16 cities and one municipality comprising the metropolis. He shared that, “We inhale 1-2 pieces of SAMPs weekly, 6-8 SAMPs per month, and 67-88 SAMPs per year. Microplastics are now present in the air we breathe and the majority of it is from synthetic polyester found in our clothing.”
Environmental health specialist Dr. Apostol of ACRI also elaborated further on how humans are exposed to microplastics in many ways from breathing airborne microplastics to consuming them in a different array of foods and beverages. There is even the possibility of microplastics entering our body through dermal contact. Dr. Apostol highlighted how various studies done in laboratories, and in animal and human tissues have demonstrated the toxicity of microplastics to human cells and systems, potentially leading to a wide range of negative health effects.
Alongside additional research to help develop evidence-based policy and prevention programs, the importance of community participation and engagement was emphasized to address the global microplastic problem. Mindful consumption, mindful fashion, and opting for alternatives to plastics, especially single-use plastics, are some of the few practices that can be done on an individual level.
ACRI continues to support the EcoWaste Coalition as they intensify its campaign against plastic pollution and its adverse impacts on the environment and human health.
Read more here: Experts Highlight Impacts Of Microplastics To Environment, Human Health | Journal Online
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Hands-On Learning, Hands-Off Hazards: Chemical Safety in the Classroom
On June 11, 2024, the EcoWaste Coalition and Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) Centre for Research and Innovation (ACRI) held a seminar at Caloocan High School on chemical safety in classrooms, attended by around 100 teachers and school leaders. Dr. Geminn Louis C. Apostol led a plenary on potential chemical hazards and mitigation strategies, followed by interactive breakout sessions where teachers identified hazards and created educational materials promoting chemical safety. Facilitators, including experts from ACRI and SEAOHUN, supported the discussions. EcoWaste's Sir Manny Calonzo emphasized the risks of heavy metals in tarpaulins, crayons, and markers, advocating for toxic-free materials. The event is part of an ongoing partnership to empower educators in creating safer learning environments for Filipino children.
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A TAALe of Arsenic: Sharing the narrative through an interactive map
Arsenic is a highly toxic and carcinogenic trace metal that can potentially contaminate groundwater sources in volcanic regions and affect communities in the area, like those residing around the Taal Volcano. The volcano’s eruption last 2020 encouraged an investigation into the quality of groundwater sources in communities surrounding the volcano. In response, the EnviHealth team in ACRI conducted a comparative documentation, “Arsenic in Groundwater Sources from Selected Communities Surrounding Taal Volcano, Philippines”. Water samples from 26 wells were collected across 11 municipalities and 1 city in Batangas province within danger zones from the volcano which were used to analyze total arsenic levels of the samples. Geographic coordinates of the sampling points were also recorded for mapping.