The Department of Health (DOH) disclosed that there are possible negative effects of dolomite on people’s health following the reported plan to fill the stretch of Manila Baywalk with artificial white sand.
The particles of crushed dolomite may affect the lungs of an individual and may cause eye irritation, according to the DOH. It can also cause diarrhea when ingested.
However, the DOH clarified that going to the area that is currently being rehabilitated will not immediately result to these health problems. It also expressed confidence that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) carefully reviewed the impact of the project on human health.
“These are the minor effects ng nilagay sa Manila Bay (placed in Manila Bay). I think with the clearance of the DENR hindi naman po ipapatupad ng DENR kung ‘di napag-aralan if this will cause harm in the environment and to the people. Kailangan lang ipapatupad ang minimum health standard (I think with the clearance of the DENR, it will not be implemented if it causes harm to people and the environment. Minimum health standard implementation is just needed),” DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire explained. – Report from Cleizl Pardilla
