Toxic Truths Unveiled: ACRI and EcoWaste Coalition’s seminar on Day-to-Day Chemical Hazards
Together with EcoWaste Coalition, the ASMPH Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI) organized a seminar on the health risks of hazardous chemical wastes last 5 December 2023 (Tuesday) at the Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH), ASMPH. Facilitated by Mr. Manny Calonzo, an environmental advocate from EcoWaste Coalition, the activity was attended by at least 60 participants from various community-based organizations in Cavite, Tondo, Malabon, and Caloocan.
Bantay Bata: Promoting the Health of our Children from Chemical Hazards
Dr. Geminn Louis Apostol, head of ACRI’s Environmental Health Flagship Team, delved into the six (6) key environmental contaminants threatening children’s health — air pollution, tobacco smoking, chemicals in products, plastic hazards, pesticides in food, and hazardous waste. In particular, he explored the health risks and exposure pathways of the aforementioned hazards, accentuating its cumulative impact from early fetal life to late adulthood.
E-Wastes: Hazards and Health Effects
Conversely, Environmental Health Specialist, Dr. Sary Valenzuela, highlighted the hazards of electronic waste, emphasizing the persistence of heavy metals like lead, chromium, and mercury. Strategies for the prevention and management of e-waste were also captured in her report, such as the proper handling and disposal of e-waste, recycling, and monitoring of e-waste sites.
Interactive Learning: Grassroot Insights Minimizing Risks from Hazardous Chemicals
Acknowledging grassroots wisdom, Dr. Apostol spearheaded a dynamic session engaging participants in the exploration of their ISA commitments aimed at reducing health hazards posed by harmful chemicals, identifying their individual commitments to stop (Ititigil), initiate (Sisimulan), and which topics they feel they want to educate themselves further on (Aalamin).
This endeavor is part of the ongoing partnership between EcoWaste Coalition and the Ateneo Center for Research and Innovation, dedicated to heightening awareness of the threats and exposure to hazardous chemical wastes to the most vulnerable groups in the Philippines.
-
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.
-
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.