By Manny Calonzo
Environment & You
Journal Online
November 25, 2009, Wednesday
A broadly-supported initiative that seeks to eliminate the country’s stockpiles of polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs is steadily being implemented to protect public health and the environment from toxic harm.
An advisory from the Department of Health warns that exposure to PCBs due to inhalation, skin absorption and the intake of PCB-contaminated food can disturb and damage the skin, liver and gastrointestinal tract as well as the nervous and immune systems.
PCBs belong to a group of chemical substances known as POPs or persistent organic pollutants that pose real threat to human health and the local and global ecosystems. The Stockholm Convention, of which the Philippines is a party now seeks the elimination of 21 POPs, including PCBs, as against the original “dirty dozen.”
By way of background, PCBs are light or dark yellow oily mixtures, typically used as insulating materials in transformers and capacitors and in heat transfer fluids and lubricants.
While the Philippines is not a PCB manufacturer, the country has considerable stocks of PCBs due to importation of electrical transformers through the years. According to preliminary government inventory, we have some 6,879 tonnes of PCB-contaminated equipment and wastes comprising about 2,400 tonnes of PCB oils.
We can find them in some electrical utilities and cooperatives, transformer servicing facilities, old industrial plants and commercial buildings, military camps and bases and hospitals.
In line with our country’s obligations under the POPs treaty, the government has developed a National Implementation Plan (NIP) with active support and participation from various stakeholders, including civil society.
One of the key goals of the NIP is to “achieve an effective and environmentally-sound strategy to manage the total elimination and destruction of PCB-containing products, equipment and wastes.”
Even before the NIP was completed in 2006, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had already issued in 2004 a Chemical Control Order for PCBs, which prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, transfer or distribution of PCBs and sets 2014 as the deadline for the phase-out of the use or storage for reuse of all PCB oils and PCB-contaminated equipment, articles, packaging materials and wastes.
With the Environmental Management Bureau at the helm, the government has embarked on a truly innovative project that will help PCB owners and possessors comply with the NIP and the CCO in an ecological and socially responsible manner.
Dubbed as the “Non Com POPs Project,” the United Nations-assisted project will see the establishment of a proven and closed-loop non-combustion facility in Bataan that will eliminate the PCBs without causing the release of byproduct POPs and other toxic residues.
The facility will receive and process PCBs from domestic sources and abide by the incineration ban under the Clean Air Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
The project has earned the support of Bishop Socrates Villegas (former head of the Diocese of Balanga), Sen. Jamby Madrigal who chairs the Senate environment committee and a host of political, community and civil society leaders.
If successfully carried out, the project will help the Philippines achieve its 2014 target and inspire developing countries in the safe and environmentally-sound management of their own stockpiles of PCBs.
While the project is underway, some 50 public health and environmental groups led by the EcoWaste Coalition, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives and Greenpeace Southeast Asia have requested the DENR to complete the inventory and monitoring of the national stockpiles of PCBs to ensure that they are duly accounted for and safely stored.
Stringent monitoring of the stockpiled PCBs is deemed very important to prevent illegal recycling and disposal of PCBs that could only lead to toxic pollution and harm.
(Manny C. Calonzo is co-coordinator of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives and president of the EcoWaste Coalition).
Link: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2009-11-25&sec=14&aid=107933
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
PHOTO RELEASE
ALERTOXIC: To avert potential chemical accidents and disasters, environmental health and safety advocates, led by green superhero called the PCB Eliminator, launch the “Toxic Awareness and Alertness Day” in Payatas junk shops to caution informal recyclers on the grave hazards of recycling electrical transformers and capacitors containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
PRESS RELEASE
EcoWaste Coalition Launches “Alertoxic Day” for Disaster Preparedness and Prevention
(Green group warns against chemical pollution from recycling toxic PCBs)
13 October 2009, Quezon City. As Filipinos come to terms with the disaster wrought by tropical storms Ondoy and Pepeng, an environmental coalition has put forward the need for increased mass awareness on toxic chemicals as a key strategy for preventing and mitigating accidents and disasters.
The EcoWaste Coalition today launched the “Toxic Awareness and Alertness Day,” or “Alertoxic Day” for short, as a monthly initiative that intends to raise public awareness and precaution on priority “chemicals of concern” to avert chemical contamination and disaster.
The term “chemicals of concern” refers to chemical substances that present a known or suspected danger to human and ecological health, and have been targeted for global action due to their hazards such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury.
“With the monthly ‘Alertoxic Day,’ we hope to inform the public about the health and environmental consequences of being exposed to these top chemicals of concern and how to avoid and reduce injurious exposures. By sharing information and knowledge, we hope to ward off potential accidents and disasters involving highly toxic chemicals,” said Manny Calonzo, President, EcoWaste Coalition.
The group’s “Alertoxic Day” kicked off with an awareness and alertness campaign on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), specifically targeting the informal recycling sector such as junk shop proprietors and workers.
PCBs belong to the expanding list of highly toxic POPs, currently numbering at 21, that the international community, including the Philippines, has agreed to restrict and ultimately eliminate under the Stockholm Convention on POPs because they pose significant threats to
human health and the environment.
Donned in yellow shirts bearing “Working together for a PCBs-free Philippines”, EcoWaste Coalition activists led by their newest green superhero called the “PCB Eliminator” roamed around Barangay Payatas, one of the major recycling hubs in Metro Manila.
“Our team jumped from one junk shop to another, giving informational materials about PCBs and showing photos of what PCB equipment look like. We also used a loud speaker to inform community members of the hazards associated with recycling PCBs,” explained Rey Palacio, project staff of the EcoWaste Coalition.
“We chose to target junk shops amid reports of indiscriminate recycling of PCB-contaminated equipment such as electrical transformers and capacitors in some junk shops that could endanger the health of waste workers and contaminate their surroundings with
pollutants,” he added.
Other equipment where PCBs could be found are old fluorescent ballasts, liquid-filled circuit breakers, and voltage regulators, among others.
“We caution the recycling sector, particularly the junk shops and waste pickers, from handling PCB-containing equipment and waste oil as this can expose them to health-threatening and environmentally-harmful substances,” said Engr. Edwin Navaluna of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).
“We should also point out that recycling PCBs goes against the Chemical Control Order on PCBs, and erring parties can receive notice of violation,” Navaluna added.
The CCO for PCBs follows the Stockholm Convention, which requires wastes containing POPs to be handled, collected, transported and stored in an environmentally-sound manner. The Convention, which the Senate ratified in 2004, requires that the POPs content be destroyed, prohibiting recovery, recycling, reclamation, direct reuse or alternative uses of POPs.
According to the EcoWaste Coalition, junk shop workers and people in the vicinity could get exposed to PCBs through inhalation, skin contact with PCBs or contaminated materials, and by unknowingly consuming contaminated water or food products.
Health problems associated with exposure to PCBs include adverse reproductive, developmental and endocrine effects, liver problem and chloracne, with the latter two being the most common signs of exposure to PCBs. Three US studies even show that PCBs alter brain development and produce neurobehavioral problems in children. The chemicals are
also suspected to be cancer-causing.
To safely eliminate the country’s stockpiles of PCBs, the government in cooperation with the public and private sectors and the United Nations has embarked on a project that will set up a non-combustion facility to safely and ecologically deal with the toxic materials.
“It is only after undergoing approved decontamination procedures that the recyclable by-products, such as the metals from transformers and capacitors, could be safely handled and recycled. Otherwise, the non-treated materials are health and environmental hazards,” the
EcoWaste Coalition warned.
(Green group warns against chemical pollution from recycling toxic PCBs)
13 October 2009, Quezon City. As Filipinos come to terms with the disaster wrought by tropical storms Ondoy and Pepeng, an environmental coalition has put forward the need for increased mass awareness on toxic chemicals as a key strategy for preventing and mitigating accidents and disasters.
The EcoWaste Coalition today launched the “Toxic Awareness and Alertness Day,” or “Alertoxic Day” for short, as a monthly initiative that intends to raise public awareness and precaution on priority “chemicals of concern” to avert chemical contamination and disaster.
The term “chemicals of concern” refers to chemical substances that present a known or suspected danger to human and ecological health, and have been targeted for global action due to their hazards such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury.
“With the monthly ‘Alertoxic Day,’ we hope to inform the public about the health and environmental consequences of being exposed to these top chemicals of concern and how to avoid and reduce injurious exposures. By sharing information and knowledge, we hope to ward off potential accidents and disasters involving highly toxic chemicals,” said Manny Calonzo, President, EcoWaste Coalition.
The group’s “Alertoxic Day” kicked off with an awareness and alertness campaign on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), specifically targeting the informal recycling sector such as junk shop proprietors and workers.
PCBs belong to the expanding list of highly toxic POPs, currently numbering at 21, that the international community, including the Philippines, has agreed to restrict and ultimately eliminate under the Stockholm Convention on POPs because they pose significant threats to
human health and the environment.
Donned in yellow shirts bearing “Working together for a PCBs-free Philippines”, EcoWaste Coalition activists led by their newest green superhero called the “PCB Eliminator” roamed around Barangay Payatas, one of the major recycling hubs in Metro Manila.
“Our team jumped from one junk shop to another, giving informational materials about PCBs and showing photos of what PCB equipment look like. We also used a loud speaker to inform community members of the hazards associated with recycling PCBs,” explained Rey Palacio, project staff of the EcoWaste Coalition.
“We chose to target junk shops amid reports of indiscriminate recycling of PCB-contaminated equipment such as electrical transformers and capacitors in some junk shops that could endanger the health of waste workers and contaminate their surroundings with
pollutants,” he added.
Other equipment where PCBs could be found are old fluorescent ballasts, liquid-filled circuit breakers, and voltage regulators, among others.
“We caution the recycling sector, particularly the junk shops and waste pickers, from handling PCB-containing equipment and waste oil as this can expose them to health-threatening and environmentally-harmful substances,” said Engr. Edwin Navaluna of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).
“We should also point out that recycling PCBs goes against the Chemical Control Order on PCBs, and erring parties can receive notice of violation,” Navaluna added.
The CCO for PCBs follows the Stockholm Convention, which requires wastes containing POPs to be handled, collected, transported and stored in an environmentally-sound manner. The Convention, which the Senate ratified in 2004, requires that the POPs content be destroyed, prohibiting recovery, recycling, reclamation, direct reuse or alternative uses of POPs.
According to the EcoWaste Coalition, junk shop workers and people in the vicinity could get exposed to PCBs through inhalation, skin contact with PCBs or contaminated materials, and by unknowingly consuming contaminated water or food products.
Health problems associated with exposure to PCBs include adverse reproductive, developmental and endocrine effects, liver problem and chloracne, with the latter two being the most common signs of exposure to PCBs. Three US studies even show that PCBs alter brain development and produce neurobehavioral problems in children. The chemicals are
also suspected to be cancer-causing.
To safely eliminate the country’s stockpiles of PCBs, the government in cooperation with the public and private sectors and the United Nations has embarked on a project that will set up a non-combustion facility to safely and ecologically deal with the toxic materials.
“It is only after undergoing approved decontamination procedures that the recyclable by-products, such as the metals from transformers and capacitors, could be safely handled and recycled. Otherwise, the non-treated materials are health and environmental hazards,” the
EcoWaste Coalition warned.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
PHOTO RELEASE
PCB Eliminator, EcoWaste Coalition's newest green superhero, pushing for the safe, non-burn, ecological elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)in the country is role played by a Bataan fisher folk and hailed by locals in Mariveles as their declaration of support to the United Nations-backed Non-Com POPs Project of the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau, which aims to ecologically eliminate PCBs in the country. The project facility is to be established inside the industrial park of PNOC-Alternative Fuels Corporation in Mariveles, Bataan. Photo taken during the recently held forum on the project in the area.(Photo by Rey Palacio)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Brgy Alion, Mariveles, Bataan goes for PCBs-free Philippines
Brgy. Alion officials together with NGOs and Philippine National Oil Company-Alternative Fuels Corporation (PNOC-AFC) representatives, hand in hand in "Working together for a PCBs-free Philippines". Photo taken during the Non-Com POPs seminar & forum for the barangay held on 1 August 2009. The seminar ended with everyone adopting the resolutions pertaining to the concerns of the community folks on the Non-Com POPs Project and other related concerns. Brgy. Alion is one of the barangays in the vicinity of PNOC-AFC's Industrial Park, where the Non-Com facility is to be put up.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Philippine NGOs’ Statement of Support for the Non-Combustion POPs Project (Non-Com POPs Project)
Dear Friends,
FOR A TOXICS-FREE PHILIPPINES
We would like to invite everyone to sign and endorse the following
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT for the Non-Combustion POPs Project that seeks to
eliminate the country's stockpiles of the highly toxic polychlorinated
biphenyls or PCBs.
We have presented the statement for endorsement at the EcoWaste
Coalition-organized "Working Together for a PCBs-free Philippines" seminar
held today, 30 June 2009, from 9am to 12nn at Max's Restaurant,
Quezon Memorial Circle, QC. The statement has been adopted and endorsed by the assembly.
Additional signatures / endorsements are still welcome. We'll appreciate it very much if you can sign on today. Kindly send your
reply to reykp.nopcb@gmail.com or to ecowastecoalition@yahoo.com and we'll add your name and/or organization.
Marami pong salamat at mabuhay!
For a PCBs-free Philippines,
The EcoWaste Coalition
______
We, Filipino citizens’ and advocates of public health, chemical safety and environmental justice, express our full support, commitment, unity and action to contribute to the nation’s efforts toward the phase out and eventual elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Philippines through the Non-Combustion POPs Project (or the Non-Com POPs Project).
We support this UN-backed public-private partnership, which includes the civil society, because it will help the Philippines:
1. Fulfill the Constitutionally-guaranteed rights of the Filipino people to health and to a balanced and healthful ecology;
2. Abide by the Chemical Control Order on PCBs issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that directs the phase out of PCBs by 2014;
3. Build its capacity to manage the stockpiles of PCB oils and PCB-contaminated equipment and materials through a robust, closed-loop non-combustion technology in line with the incineration ban under the Clean Air Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
4. Carry out its obligations under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) requiring governments “to prohibit the production, import, export and use of all PCBs,” and implement the “Action Plan Addressing PCBs” in the National Implementation Plan for the said treaty.
5. Set a good example for developing countries in the safe and environmentally-sound management of POPs stockpiles that avoids the unintentional release of dioxins and furans, which the newly-formed PCBs Elimination Network (PEN) can learn from and replicate.
As we express our support for the Non-Com POPs Project, we call on the government, particularly the DENR, to pursue the inventory and monitoring of all our stockpiles of PCBs, ensuring that PCBs in electric utility plants, transformer servicing centers, manufacturing sites and old commercial buildings are duly accounted for and safely stored for subsequent decontamination in the non-combustion facility.
We likewise call on the Bureau of Customs to remain vigilant against the probable entry of PCB transformers disguised as “recyclables” or “donations” for rural electrification as other countries get rid of their own stockpiles of PCBs.
Acknowledging the necessity of actively working together to realize a toxics-free future, we shall inform and educate our membership and the general public about PCBs and the Non-Com POPs Project, and participate in relevant efforts that will ensure the safety of our ecosystems and our people, especially our children, women, industrial workers, waste handlers, and informal recyclers, against exposure from PCBs and other harmful chemicals.
Signed and adopted:
1. Aida Martija, AKKAPKA - Pandacan
2. Angelina P. Galang, Ph.D., Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Enviornment and Sustainable Economy / Enviornmental Studies Institute, Miriam College
3. Aurea Macalindong, Buklod Kalikasan
4. Beau Baconguis, Greenpeace Southeast Asia
5. Catalina Jocson, Krusada sa Kalikasn
6. Conrado Esemple, Columban Missionaries-Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation
7. Elsie B. Retanan, Brgy. Yakal MRF, Silang, Cavite
8. Elsie Brandes de Veyra, Concerned Citizens Against Pollution
9. Eric Jamon, Ecology Desk of Diocese of Kalookan
10. Esther Pacheco, COCAP-ES (Citizens Organization Concerned with Advocating Philippine Environmental Sustainability)
11. Evangeline T. Palacio, Sining Yapak
12. Eileen Sison, Institute for the Development of Education and Ecological Alternatives, Inc. (IDEAS)
13. Fe C. Manapat, Woman Health, Philippines
14. Florita Dumagan, Hugalna Albur
15. George Dadivas, Sanib Lakas ng mga Aktibong may Taya sa Inang Kalikasan (SALIKA)
16. Helen Mendoza, Philippine Network on Climate Change
17. Ines Fernandez, Arugaan/Save the Babies Coalition
18. Isagani R. Serrano, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM)
19. Jane Continente, Lakay Kalikasan
20. Jennifer Pangilinan, Mascomthea
21. Jessie Ruines, Children's Helper Project / CGC
22. Joel Catapang, Concerned citizen
23. Joey Papa, Bangon Kalikasan
24. Josua Mata, Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL)
25. Kinaiyahan Foundation
26. Kristopher Peralta, EARTH-UST
27. Leah Primitiva G. Samaco-Paquiz, Ang Nars
28. Manny C. Calonzo, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives
29. Marie Marciano, Mother Earth Foundation
30. Martin Francisco, Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society, Inc. (SSMESI)
31. Noli Abinales, Buklod Tao, Inc.
32. Ochie Tolentino, Cavite Green Coalition
33. Ofelia Panganiban, Zero Waste Recycling Movement of the Philippines Foundation
34. Richard Gutierrez, BAN Toxics!
35. Riedo Panaligan, EcoWaste Coalition
36. Rodel Gabac, Advocates for Environmental and Social Justice
37. Romeo Hidalgo, November 17 Movement
38. Ronald Aries Pirante, Diocese of Imus, Cavite
39. Ronnel Lim, Health Care Without Harm
40. Sylvia Mesina, Concerned citizen
41. Tanya Conlu, Concerned citizen
42. Tessa Oliva, Miriam P.E.A.C.E.
43. Vicente L. Guarin, Diocese of Kalookan
44. Victoria Segovia, Partnership for Clean Air
FOR A TOXICS-FREE PHILIPPINES
We would like to invite everyone to sign and endorse the following
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT for the Non-Combustion POPs Project that seeks to
eliminate the country's stockpiles of the highly toxic polychlorinated
biphenyls or PCBs.
We have presented the statement for endorsement at the EcoWaste
Coalition-organized "Working Together for a PCBs-free Philippines" seminar
held today, 30 June 2009, from 9am to 12nn at Max's Restaurant,
Quezon Memorial Circle, QC. The statement has been adopted and endorsed by the assembly.
Additional signatures / endorsements are still welcome. We'll appreciate it very much if you can sign on today. Kindly send your
reply to reykp.nopcb@gmail.com or to ecowastecoalition@yahoo.com and we'll add your name and/or organization.
Marami pong salamat at mabuhay!
For a PCBs-free Philippines,
The EcoWaste Coalition
______
We, Filipino citizens’ and advocates of public health, chemical safety and environmental justice, express our full support, commitment, unity and action to contribute to the nation’s efforts toward the phase out and eventual elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Philippines through the Non-Combustion POPs Project (or the Non-Com POPs Project).
We support this UN-backed public-private partnership, which includes the civil society, because it will help the Philippines:
1. Fulfill the Constitutionally-guaranteed rights of the Filipino people to health and to a balanced and healthful ecology;
2. Abide by the Chemical Control Order on PCBs issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that directs the phase out of PCBs by 2014;
3. Build its capacity to manage the stockpiles of PCB oils and PCB-contaminated equipment and materials through a robust, closed-loop non-combustion technology in line with the incineration ban under the Clean Air Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
4. Carry out its obligations under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) requiring governments “to prohibit the production, import, export and use of all PCBs,” and implement the “Action Plan Addressing PCBs” in the National Implementation Plan for the said treaty.
5. Set a good example for developing countries in the safe and environmentally-sound management of POPs stockpiles that avoids the unintentional release of dioxins and furans, which the newly-formed PCBs Elimination Network (PEN) can learn from and replicate.
As we express our support for the Non-Com POPs Project, we call on the government, particularly the DENR, to pursue the inventory and monitoring of all our stockpiles of PCBs, ensuring that PCBs in electric utility plants, transformer servicing centers, manufacturing sites and old commercial buildings are duly accounted for and safely stored for subsequent decontamination in the non-combustion facility.
We likewise call on the Bureau of Customs to remain vigilant against the probable entry of PCB transformers disguised as “recyclables” or “donations” for rural electrification as other countries get rid of their own stockpiles of PCBs.
Acknowledging the necessity of actively working together to realize a toxics-free future, we shall inform and educate our membership and the general public about PCBs and the Non-Com POPs Project, and participate in relevant efforts that will ensure the safety of our ecosystems and our people, especially our children, women, industrial workers, waste handlers, and informal recyclers, against exposure from PCBs and other harmful chemicals.
Signed and adopted:
1. Aida Martija, AKKAPKA - Pandacan
2. Angelina P. Galang, Ph.D., Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Enviornment and Sustainable Economy / Enviornmental Studies Institute, Miriam College
3. Aurea Macalindong, Buklod Kalikasan
4. Beau Baconguis, Greenpeace Southeast Asia
5. Catalina Jocson, Krusada sa Kalikasn
6. Conrado Esemple, Columban Missionaries-Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation
7. Elsie B. Retanan, Brgy. Yakal MRF, Silang, Cavite
8. Elsie Brandes de Veyra, Concerned Citizens Against Pollution
9. Eric Jamon, Ecology Desk of Diocese of Kalookan
10. Esther Pacheco, COCAP-ES (Citizens Organization Concerned with Advocating Philippine Environmental Sustainability)
11. Evangeline T. Palacio, Sining Yapak
12. Eileen Sison, Institute for the Development of Education and Ecological Alternatives, Inc. (IDEAS)
13. Fe C. Manapat, Woman Health, Philippines
14. Florita Dumagan, Hugalna Albur
15. George Dadivas, Sanib Lakas ng mga Aktibong may Taya sa Inang Kalikasan (SALIKA)
16. Helen Mendoza, Philippine Network on Climate Change
17. Ines Fernandez, Arugaan/Save the Babies Coalition
18. Isagani R. Serrano, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM)
19. Jane Continente, Lakay Kalikasan
20. Jennifer Pangilinan, Mascomthea
21. Jessie Ruines, Children's Helper Project / CGC
22. Joel Catapang, Concerned citizen
23. Joey Papa, Bangon Kalikasan
24. Josua Mata, Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL)
25. Kinaiyahan Foundation
26. Kristopher Peralta, EARTH-UST
27. Leah Primitiva G. Samaco-Paquiz, Ang Nars
28. Manny C. Calonzo, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives
29. Marie Marciano, Mother Earth Foundation
30. Martin Francisco, Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society, Inc. (SSMESI)
31. Noli Abinales, Buklod Tao, Inc.
32. Ochie Tolentino, Cavite Green Coalition
33. Ofelia Panganiban, Zero Waste Recycling Movement of the Philippines Foundation
34. Richard Gutierrez, BAN Toxics!
35. Riedo Panaligan, EcoWaste Coalition
36. Rodel Gabac, Advocates for Environmental and Social Justice
37. Romeo Hidalgo, November 17 Movement
38. Ronald Aries Pirante, Diocese of Imus, Cavite
39. Ronnel Lim, Health Care Without Harm
40. Sylvia Mesina, Concerned citizen
41. Tanya Conlu, Concerned citizen
42. Tessa Oliva, Miriam P.E.A.C.E.
43. Vicente L. Guarin, Diocese of Kalookan
44. Victoria Segovia, Partnership for Clean Air
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
PRESS RELEASE: NGOs vow to back project to ecologically eliminate PCBs
NGOs and individual advocates of public health, chemical safety and environmental justice expressed support for a groundbreaking project to safely and ecologically eliminate the country’s stockpiles of the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) minus combustion.
In a statement presented during a forum themed “Working Together for a PCBs-free Philippines” at the conclusion of the June environment month, some fifty individuals representing more than thirty NGOs initially expressed their support for the project, which is called the “Non-Com POPs Project” for it’s non-employment of combustion in the safe destruction of PCBs and other POPs.
During the forum, Environmental Management Bureau’s (EMB) Ms. Angie Brabante, national focal point for the Stockholm Convention on POPs and Engr. Edwin Navaluna, national coordinator for the “Non-Com POPs Project,” gave straightforward discussions about PCBs, their hazards, and the need to immediately deal with them in an ecological manner through the United Nations backed project.
Navaluna announced further that “construction of the non-combustion treatment facility at the Philippine National Oil Company – Alternative Fuels Corporation (PNOC-AFC) industrial park in Mariveles, Bataan should be underway this August.”
Ms. Helen Cervantes of PNOC-AFC increased further the NGOs confidence about the project with her talk about the company’s sincere commitment and efforts in addressing community concerns about the project.
According to the NGOs’ statement, the Philippines would benefit greatly from the project health- and environment-wise as this would help the country:
1. Fulfill the Constitutionally-guaranteed rights of the Filipino people to health and to a balanced and healthful ecology;
2. Abide by the Chemical Control Order on PCBs issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that directs the phase out of PCBs by 2014;
3. Build its capacity to manage the stockpiles of PCB oils and PCB-contaminated equipment and materials through a robust, closed-loop non-combustion technology in line with the incineration ban under the Clean Air Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
4. Carry out its obligations under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) requiring governments “to prohibit the production, import, export and use of all PCBs,” and implement the “Action Plan Addressing PCBs” in the National Implementation Plan for the said treaty.
5. Set a good example for developing countries in the safe and environmentally-sound management of POPs stockpiles that avoids the unintentional release of dioxins and furans, which the newly-formed PCBs Elimination Network (PEN) can learn from and replicate.
In concluding their statement of support for the project, the NGOs called on EMB to “pursue the inventory and monitoring of all [of the country’s] stockpiles of PCBs” and ensure that all such chemicals are duly accounted for and safely managed for subsequent treatment at the project facility in Bataan.
The NGOs also appealed to the “Bureau of Customs to remain vigilant against the probable entry of PCB transformers disguised as ‘recyclables’ or ‘donations’ for rural electrification as other countries get rid of their own stockpiles of PCBs.”
Finally, in acknowledgement of the necessity of “working together to realize a toxics-free future,” the NGOs committed to “educate the public about PCBs and the project, and participate in efforts to ensure the safety of our ecosystems and our people, especially our children, women, industrial workers, waste handlers, and informal recyclers, against exposure from PCBs and other harmful chemicals.”
The lively forum also saw the launched of the EcoWaste Coalition’s latest superhero – The PCB Eliminator – to help in raising public awareness about PCBs and the “Non Com POPs Project.”
In a statement presented during a forum themed “Working Together for a PCBs-free Philippines” at the conclusion of the June environment month, some fifty individuals representing more than thirty NGOs initially expressed their support for the project, which is called the “Non-Com POPs Project” for it’s non-employment of combustion in the safe destruction of PCBs and other POPs.
During the forum, Environmental Management Bureau’s (EMB) Ms. Angie Brabante, national focal point for the Stockholm Convention on POPs and Engr. Edwin Navaluna, national coordinator for the “Non-Com POPs Project,” gave straightforward discussions about PCBs, their hazards, and the need to immediately deal with them in an ecological manner through the United Nations backed project.
Navaluna announced further that “construction of the non-combustion treatment facility at the Philippine National Oil Company – Alternative Fuels Corporation (PNOC-AFC) industrial park in Mariveles, Bataan should be underway this August.”
Ms. Helen Cervantes of PNOC-AFC increased further the NGOs confidence about the project with her talk about the company’s sincere commitment and efforts in addressing community concerns about the project.
According to the NGOs’ statement, the Philippines would benefit greatly from the project health- and environment-wise as this would help the country:
1. Fulfill the Constitutionally-guaranteed rights of the Filipino people to health and to a balanced and healthful ecology;
2. Abide by the Chemical Control Order on PCBs issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that directs the phase out of PCBs by 2014;
3. Build its capacity to manage the stockpiles of PCB oils and PCB-contaminated equipment and materials through a robust, closed-loop non-combustion technology in line with the incineration ban under the Clean Air Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
4. Carry out its obligations under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) requiring governments “to prohibit the production, import, export and use of all PCBs,” and implement the “Action Plan Addressing PCBs” in the National Implementation Plan for the said treaty.
5. Set a good example for developing countries in the safe and environmentally-sound management of POPs stockpiles that avoids the unintentional release of dioxins and furans, which the newly-formed PCBs Elimination Network (PEN) can learn from and replicate.
In concluding their statement of support for the project, the NGOs called on EMB to “pursue the inventory and monitoring of all [of the country’s] stockpiles of PCBs” and ensure that all such chemicals are duly accounted for and safely managed for subsequent treatment at the project facility in Bataan.
The NGOs also appealed to the “Bureau of Customs to remain vigilant against the probable entry of PCB transformers disguised as ‘recyclables’ or ‘donations’ for rural electrification as other countries get rid of their own stockpiles of PCBs.”
Finally, in acknowledgement of the necessity of “working together to realize a toxics-free future,” the NGOs committed to “educate the public about PCBs and the project, and participate in efforts to ensure the safety of our ecosystems and our people, especially our children, women, industrial workers, waste handlers, and informal recyclers, against exposure from PCBs and other harmful chemicals.”
The lively forum also saw the launched of the EcoWaste Coalition’s latest superhero – The PCB Eliminator – to help in raising public awareness about PCBs and the “Non Com POPs Project.”
PHOTO RELEASE: New Superhero out to eliminate PCBs
“The PCB Eliminator”, EcoWaste Coalition’s newest addition to its league of green heroes, with a mission to champion the safe and non-burn elimination of the toxic pollutants polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), is joined by chemical safety and environmental justice advocates in a bid to eliminate the country’s PCBs stockpiles, as shown in this photo taken during the “Working Together for a PCBs-free Philippines” forum on 30 June in Quezon City. (Photos by Gigie Cruz)
Monday, June 29, 2009
PRESS RELEASE: New superhero for chemical safety bared, cheered
A new chemical safety superhero, clad in yellow and black and carrying a shield that bears the slogan “Dump Not! Burn Not!” has joined toxic prevention advocates in a bid to rid the country’s stockpiles of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
At a forum held in Quezon City to conclude the June environment month, the masked hero who calls himself “The PCB Eliminator” vowed to protect the Filipino people from PCBs, a class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) commonly used as dielectric fluids in electrical transformers, capacitors and coolants.
“The ‘PCB Eliminator’ is the latest addition to our own league of green heroes with a special mission of protecting our people and the ecosystems from harm caused by exposure to these harmful substances,” said Rey Palacio of EcoWaste Coalition.
“The ‘PCB Eliminator’ will enlist public and private support for the non-incineration treatment of PCBs in the country that will ensure public and environmental health and safety,” he added.
The new green crusader joins the other heroes of the waste and pollution watchdog, namely “Boy Bayong,” an advocate against single use plastic bags, and “Super WA” (for “Walang Aksaya”) a champion for Zero Waste.
To the delight of forum participants, Environmental Management Bureau’s (EMB) Engr. Edwin Navaluna, the National Project Coordinator for the Non-Combustion POPs Project, announced that “the construction of the treatment facility employing a robust technology for the safe and non-burn elimination of PCBs and PCB-contaminated equipment, should be underway this August.”
Navaluna, who gave a brief talk about the project before the more than fifty attendees of the forum themed Working Together for a PCBs-free Philippines said that “the project fits very well with the policy objectives of the Chemical Control Order (CCO) for PCBs.”
The CCO for PCBs was issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to reduce and eliminate the use of PCBs, and regulate their transport, treatment and disposal to protect the human health and environment.
In support of the project, the participating NGOs adopted a statement expressing “full support, commitment, unity and action to contribute to the nation’s efforts toward the phase out and total elimination of PCBs by the year 2014 as targeted in the CCO for PCBs.”
“The pioneering Non-Com POPs Project will demonstrate the efficacy of environmentally-sound and safe non-burn approach for managing PCBs, and will surely contribute to both local and global push to eliminate PCBs and advance chemical safety,” Manny Calonzo of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) said.
“Its successful implementation has the potential of setting a precedent among developing countries in the sound management of POPs involving all stakeholders, including public interest groups,” he stated.
PCBs, which are targeted for elimination in the country years ahead of the Stockholm Convention goal, belong to so-called “dirty dozen” POPs that includes pesticides, industrial chemicals and unintentional byproducts of industrial and combustion processes,
With an estimated quantity of five million tons of PCBs oil and contaminated equipment worldwide, PCBs are reportedly among those that are widely distributed globally.
Preliminary inventories undertaken by the EMB yield some 6,879 tons of PCB containing equipment and wastes, comprising about 2,400 tons of PCBs oil. These are mostly found in electrical utilities and cooperatives, industrial establishments and manufacturing plants, servicing facilities, military camps and hospitals.
At a forum held in Quezon City to conclude the June environment month, the masked hero who calls himself “The PCB Eliminator” vowed to protect the Filipino people from PCBs, a class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) commonly used as dielectric fluids in electrical transformers, capacitors and coolants.
“The ‘PCB Eliminator’ is the latest addition to our own league of green heroes with a special mission of protecting our people and the ecosystems from harm caused by exposure to these harmful substances,” said Rey Palacio of EcoWaste Coalition.
“The ‘PCB Eliminator’ will enlist public and private support for the non-incineration treatment of PCBs in the country that will ensure public and environmental health and safety,” he added.
The new green crusader joins the other heroes of the waste and pollution watchdog, namely “Boy Bayong,” an advocate against single use plastic bags, and “Super WA” (for “Walang Aksaya”) a champion for Zero Waste.
To the delight of forum participants, Environmental Management Bureau’s (EMB) Engr. Edwin Navaluna, the National Project Coordinator for the Non-Combustion POPs Project, announced that “the construction of the treatment facility employing a robust technology for the safe and non-burn elimination of PCBs and PCB-contaminated equipment, should be underway this August.”
Navaluna, who gave a brief talk about the project before the more than fifty attendees of the forum themed Working Together for a PCBs-free Philippines said that “the project fits very well with the policy objectives of the Chemical Control Order (CCO) for PCBs.”
The CCO for PCBs was issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to reduce and eliminate the use of PCBs, and regulate their transport, treatment and disposal to protect the human health and environment.
In support of the project, the participating NGOs adopted a statement expressing “full support, commitment, unity and action to contribute to the nation’s efforts toward the phase out and total elimination of PCBs by the year 2014 as targeted in the CCO for PCBs.”
“The pioneering Non-Com POPs Project will demonstrate the efficacy of environmentally-sound and safe non-burn approach for managing PCBs, and will surely contribute to both local and global push to eliminate PCBs and advance chemical safety,” Manny Calonzo of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) said.
“Its successful implementation has the potential of setting a precedent among developing countries in the sound management of POPs involving all stakeholders, including public interest groups,” he stated.
PCBs, which are targeted for elimination in the country years ahead of the Stockholm Convention goal, belong to so-called “dirty dozen” POPs that includes pesticides, industrial chemicals and unintentional byproducts of industrial and combustion processes,
With an estimated quantity of five million tons of PCBs oil and contaminated equipment worldwide, PCBs are reportedly among those that are widely distributed globally.
Preliminary inventories undertaken by the EMB yield some 6,879 tons of PCB containing equipment and wastes, comprising about 2,400 tons of PCBs oil. These are mostly found in electrical utilities and cooperatives, industrial establishments and manufacturing plants, servicing facilities, military camps and hospitals.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
PRESS RELEASE: RP Urged to Join PCBs Elimination Network
21 May 2009, Quezon City. A waste and pollution watchdog urged the government to seek membership in a new initiative that aims to enhance international cooperation to safely eradicate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
In a statement issued coinciding with the 8th anniversary today of the signing of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the EcoWaste Coalition lauded the recent decision of the 4th Conference of Parties (COP4) to establish the PCBs Elimination Network (PEN).
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Usec. Demetrio Ignacio and Angelita Brabante represented the Philippines at the historic conference, which also saw nine chemicals being added to the UN POPs blacklist.
“We welcome the increased attention to reduce the serious health and environmental threats from PCBs by ensuring their environmentally sound management, especially in countries that lack financial and technological resources to deal with their toxic stockpiles,” said Rey Palacio, project staff of the EcoWaste Coalition.
“We urge the government and other stakeholders from the public and private sectors to get involved in the PEN and benefit from the unique information exchange, networking and capacity building opportunities,” he said.
“RP’s membership in PEN will hopefully open new avenues for accessing essential resources to support the ongoing multi-stakeholders’ partnership to phase out PCBs in the country using a non-combustion technology,” Palacio added.
The PEN seeks members from governments, intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations, donor agencies, owners of PCBs, related service industries, and scientific and technical experts. The Geneva-based United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will act as its preliminary Secretariat.
PCBs, one of the so-called “dirty dozen” POPs, are reportedly the most distributed toxic chemicals listed in the Stockholm Convention in use globally, with an estimated quantity of five million tonnes of PCB oil and contaminated equipment worldwide.
Based on preliminary inventories, the Philippines has 6,879 tonnes of PCB containing equipment and wastes, comprising about 2,400 tonnes of PCBs oil, mostly found in electrical utilities and cooperatives, industrial establishments and manufacturing plants, servicing facilities, military camps and hospitals.
Signed in 2001, the Stockholm Convention is an international agreement to address global chemical pollution. Ratified by the Senate in 2004, it seeks to protect human health and the environment from POPs.
“The signing of the Stockholm Convention is a triumph for environmental health and underscores the primacy of public welfare over the narrow economic interest of the chemical industry,” commented Von Hernandez, Executive Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, a member of the EcoWaste Coalition.
“Public vigilance is still required however to ensure that these persistent poisons are really taken out of commerce,” he emphasized.
In a statement issued coinciding with the 8th anniversary today of the signing of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the EcoWaste Coalition lauded the recent decision of the 4th Conference of Parties (COP4) to establish the PCBs Elimination Network (PEN).
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Usec. Demetrio Ignacio and Angelita Brabante represented the Philippines at the historic conference, which also saw nine chemicals being added to the UN POPs blacklist.
“We welcome the increased attention to reduce the serious health and environmental threats from PCBs by ensuring their environmentally sound management, especially in countries that lack financial and technological resources to deal with their toxic stockpiles,” said Rey Palacio, project staff of the EcoWaste Coalition.
“We urge the government and other stakeholders from the public and private sectors to get involved in the PEN and benefit from the unique information exchange, networking and capacity building opportunities,” he said.
“RP’s membership in PEN will hopefully open new avenues for accessing essential resources to support the ongoing multi-stakeholders’ partnership to phase out PCBs in the country using a non-combustion technology,” Palacio added.
The PEN seeks members from governments, intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations, donor agencies, owners of PCBs, related service industries, and scientific and technical experts. The Geneva-based United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will act as its preliminary Secretariat.
PCBs, one of the so-called “dirty dozen” POPs, are reportedly the most distributed toxic chemicals listed in the Stockholm Convention in use globally, with an estimated quantity of five million tonnes of PCB oil and contaminated equipment worldwide.
Based on preliminary inventories, the Philippines has 6,879 tonnes of PCB containing equipment and wastes, comprising about 2,400 tonnes of PCBs oil, mostly found in electrical utilities and cooperatives, industrial establishments and manufacturing plants, servicing facilities, military camps and hospitals.
Signed in 2001, the Stockholm Convention is an international agreement to address global chemical pollution. Ratified by the Senate in 2004, it seeks to protect human health and the environment from POPs.
“The signing of the Stockholm Convention is a triumph for environmental health and underscores the primacy of public welfare over the narrow economic interest of the chemical industry,” commented Von Hernandez, Executive Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, a member of the EcoWaste Coalition.
“Public vigilance is still required however to ensure that these persistent poisons are really taken out of commerce,” he emphasized.
Friday, May 8, 2009
PRESS RELEASE: RP’s breakthrough project on PCBs garners support
8 May 2009, Quezon City. Marking May 9 to 15 as “Toxic Awareness and Action Week", environmental and chemical safety advocacy groups expressed support for a breakthrough multistakeholders initiative that will rid the country of some highly toxic industrial chemicals.
The Ban Toxics, EcoWaste Coalition, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Health Care Without Harm and Mother Earth Foundation welcomed the United Nations-backed effort to safely address the country’s stockpiles of polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs, a group of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), using a
non-combustion approach.
Dubbed as the “Non-Com POPs Project,” this will assist the Philippines in meeting the goals of the Chemical Control Order for PCBs issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) by ensuring the safe handling and environmentally sound storage and destruction of PCBs. The CCO sets a phase out target for PCBs by 2014.
The project will also comply with the requirements of the Stockholm Convention on the destruction of POPs that will not result to the formation and release of dioxins and furans to the air, water and soil.
“The ‘Non-Com POPs Project’ will help our nation in dealing with PCBs in a manner that will not cause any further toxic harm to our people and the ecosystems. We commend the public-private partnership that is working doubly hard to make this happen,” said Rey Palacio of the EcoWaste Coalition.
A general assembly in the host community in Barangay Batangas Dos, Mariveles, Bataan will take place on May 9 to assure the populace of the safety and ecological soundness of the project and to strengthen community ownership and participation in the pioneering project,
The “Non-Com POPs Project” has earlier elicited the support of Sen. Jamby Madrigal, Chair of the Senate Committee on the Environment, who said that “the non-combustion treatment of our stockpiled PCBs is a strategic milestone in our quest to rid our nation of toxic health and environmental contaminants.”
“Let a PCBs-free Philippines be our shared gift to all Filipino children and youth of this generation and next. I commend the project participants from the public and private sectors, particularly the NGOs promoting the chemical safety agenda,” she said in a statement.
The “Non-Com POPs Project” is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as the implementing agency, the DENR – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) as the national executing agency and the Philippine National Oil Company – Alternative Fuels Corporation (PAFC) as the operating entity.
The other project partners include Meralco, National Grid Corp. and the National Power Corp. from the private sector and the concerned non-government organizations from the public sector.
As the preparation for the “Non-Com POPs Project” goes in full swing, the public interest groups called on the government to continue with the effort to complete the national inventory of PCBs and ensure their safe management and ultimate destruction in the soon-to-be launched facility.
PCBs are thin, clear to pale-yellow liquids generally used as dielectric fluids in old electrical transformers and capacitors. They persist in the environment for very long time, enter the food chain and accumulate in human and animal tissues. Considered as possible carcinogen, PCBs, according to three new studies, alter brain development and produce
neurobehavioral problems in children, among other health problems associated with the chemicals.
The Ban Toxics, EcoWaste Coalition, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Health Care Without Harm and Mother Earth Foundation welcomed the United Nations-backed effort to safely address the country’s stockpiles of polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs, a group of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), using a
non-combustion approach.
Dubbed as the “Non-Com POPs Project,” this will assist the Philippines in meeting the goals of the Chemical Control Order for PCBs issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) by ensuring the safe handling and environmentally sound storage and destruction of PCBs. The CCO sets a phase out target for PCBs by 2014.
The project will also comply with the requirements of the Stockholm Convention on the destruction of POPs that will not result to the formation and release of dioxins and furans to the air, water and soil.
“The ‘Non-Com POPs Project’ will help our nation in dealing with PCBs in a manner that will not cause any further toxic harm to our people and the ecosystems. We commend the public-private partnership that is working doubly hard to make this happen,” said Rey Palacio of the EcoWaste Coalition.
A general assembly in the host community in Barangay Batangas Dos, Mariveles, Bataan will take place on May 9 to assure the populace of the safety and ecological soundness of the project and to strengthen community ownership and participation in the pioneering project,
The “Non-Com POPs Project” has earlier elicited the support of Sen. Jamby Madrigal, Chair of the Senate Committee on the Environment, who said that “the non-combustion treatment of our stockpiled PCBs is a strategic milestone in our quest to rid our nation of toxic health and environmental contaminants.”
“Let a PCBs-free Philippines be our shared gift to all Filipino children and youth of this generation and next. I commend the project participants from the public and private sectors, particularly the NGOs promoting the chemical safety agenda,” she said in a statement.
The “Non-Com POPs Project” is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as the implementing agency, the DENR – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) as the national executing agency and the Philippine National Oil Company – Alternative Fuels Corporation (PAFC) as the operating entity.
The other project partners include Meralco, National Grid Corp. and the National Power Corp. from the private sector and the concerned non-government organizations from the public sector.
As the preparation for the “Non-Com POPs Project” goes in full swing, the public interest groups called on the government to continue with the effort to complete the national inventory of PCBs and ensure their safe management and ultimate destruction in the soon-to-be launched facility.
PCBs are thin, clear to pale-yellow liquids generally used as dielectric fluids in old electrical transformers and capacitors. They persist in the environment for very long time, enter the food chain and accumulate in human and animal tissues. Considered as possible carcinogen, PCBs, according to three new studies, alter brain development and produce
neurobehavioral problems in children, among other health problems associated with the chemicals.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
PHOTO RELEASE
The banner “Working together for a PCBs-free
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Photo Release
Mountaineers join the EcoWaste Coalition in campaigning to rid the country
of toxic PCBs or polychlorinated biphenyls while at the summit of the so-called
"Devil's Mountain" (Mt.
PCBs are obsolete industrial chemicals commonly found in old electrical
transformers and capacitors. (Photo by Rey Palacio)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Press Release: Groups Push for Health and Environment Protection from Harmful Chemicals
3 April 2009,
In commemoration of the event, the EcoWaste Coalition, together with Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Health Care Without Harm, BAN Toxics, and Mother Earth Foundation, sound a loud call for a widespread public awareness campaign in the country about the highly toxic chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
The public health and environmental justice groups are particularly concerned about polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs and how best to protect the general public and the environment from adverse chemical exposures to them.
A health advisory from the Department of Health (DOH) states that human exposure to PCBs, an industrial chemical used mainly as dielectric and heat exchange fluids, has been caused mostly from eating contaminated food and also from inhalation and skin absorption in work places. The DOH warns that the skin and liver are the major organs affected by PCBs, but the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system and the nervous system are also targets.
A draft Code of Practice on the Management of PCBs prepared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) cites transformer repair, reconditioning and retrofilling facilities as major industry sector in the country that contributes to the spread of PCB contamination in the country. As of 2006, a partial inventory of PCBs in the
“As we mark the World Health Day, we call on the government to complete the inventory of PCBs in the country, ensure that all stockpiles are rigorously stored and secured and prevent unsafe recycling or disposal that will expose workers and communities to toxic pollution. It will also be useful for the government to embark on a nationwide assessment of the levels and impacts of PCBs in humans and in the air, water and soil,” Rey Palacio of the EcoWaste Coalition said.
“We further call on all the stakeholders to support the United Nations-assisted project that aims to eliminate our stockpiles of PCBs by employing a safe, non-incineration technology in line with the Clean Air Act and our obligations to protect the public health and the environment from POPs,” added Manny Calonzo of the Global Alliance for Incinerator
Alternatives.
By the end of the year, the Philippines is expecting the treatment of the first batch of PCBs wastes and contaminated equipment at the country’s first and only non-combustion treatment facility for destroying PCBs with a destruction efficiency approaching 100%. The facility would not be employing combustion to prevent the creation of the more toxic dioxins and
furans and would be operating in closed system to prevent uncontrolled releases of chemicals of concern.
The following practical can- and must-dos have been compiled by EcoWaste from various sources, such as the DOH and the DENR, to keep the public informed about protecting themselves from PCBs’ harmful effects:
- Report illegal disposal of PCBs or contaminated wastes to proper authorities such as the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB).
- Unless you are trained, never handle PCBs and stay away from areas where the chemicals are handled.
- Wear full body protective clothing when working with PCBs.
- If you work with PCBs, always wash hands thoroughly before eating and before leaving the workplace.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas where PCBs are handled.
- If skin contact occurred, wash the contaminated area with running water for 20-30 minutes.
- If you suspect that you have PCBs-contaminated equipment or materials at home or in the office, secure them in a sealed container until such time that they could be treated in a safe, non-combustion facility.
- Stay away from PCBs-contaminated sites.
- If you suspect you may have health problems associated with exposure to PCBs, seek help from a medical physician or call the Environmental and Occupational Health Office of the Department of Health at Tel No. 743-8301 loc. 2325-2327 or the UP-National Poisons Control and Information Service at Tel No.524-1078.
- Support the project on non-combustion technology for the destruction of PCBs in the
- Call the EcoWaste Coalition at 441-1846 for more information.
- Tell these to others.
PCBs are clear, amber-colored, or dark oily liquids, which may have a faint smell like motor oil, while some smell like mothballs. They have been widely used in industry in many enclosed and open applications since they were first introduced in the 1930s.
Electric transformers manufactured before the 1990s likely contain PCBs. Other items that could contain PCBs are capacitors and hydraulic fluid and such common consumer items as fluorescent lights, transistor radios, microwave ovens, televisions, refrigerators, and various other electrical appliances, which were manufactured prior to the date.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
PRESS RELEASE: Senator, NGOs Laud Effort to Eliminate Toxic Chemical with Non-Burn Technology
15 March 2009,
Donning yellow shirts that say “Working Together for a PCBs-Free Philippines,” chemical safety advocates led by the EcoWaste Coalition put a “PCBs-free” sticker to mock electrical transformers to signal the nation’s commitment to clear the country of its stockpiles of PCBs using a non-incineration technology.
The initiative has elicited the support of Sen. Jamby Madrigal, Chair of the Senate Committee on the Environment, who said that “the non-combustion treatment of our stockpiled PCBs is a strategic milestone in our quest to rid our nation of toxic health and environmental contaminants.”
“Let a PCBs-free
“The
The CCO for PCBs issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which took effect on March 19, 2004, requires the registration, labeling, safe handling, phase out and ban on the use or storage of PCBs in the country by 2014 or 11 years ahead of the global target.
Under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), governments have until 2025 to phase out PCBs-containing equipment such as transformers and capacitors. The Convention, which the Senate ratified in 2004, also gave governments another three years, or until 2028, to destroy the recovered PCBs.
Together with other public interest groups, the EcoWaste Coalition is supporting the implementation of the pioneering project that will help waste generators comply with the 2014 phase out target for PCBs by deploying in 2009 a safe, closed-loop, non-incineration technology for decontaminating PCBs-containing equipment and wastes.
“The adoption of a robust non-combustion technology to address our stockpiles of PCBs is consistent with the goals and requirements of the Clean Air Act, the Stockholm Convention and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, which all seek to prevent toxic chemicals from harming our bodies and the ecosystems,” said Manny Calonzo
of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives
The EcoWaste Coalition and GAIA urged the DENR to complete the inventory of PCBs in the country and to ensure that the stockpiles are placed under strict control while awaiting operation of the non-combustion facility to avoid unsafe recycling and disposal.
As of January 2006, inventories show that the country has 6,879 tons of PCBs-containing equipment and wastes, comprising about 2,400 tons of PCBs oil. Much of these PCBs came from the power industry, owing to the chemicals’ usefulness as dielectric fluids in transformers and capacitors.
Last year, the government of the
The technology to be deployed would not be employing combustion; would be operating in closed system to prevent uncontrolled releases of dioxins and other chemicals of concern; and would be capable of achieving total destruction efficiency that approaches100%.
The DENR is the lead government agency in charge of the project, which is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Corporate project partners include the Philippine National Oil Company - Alternative Fuels Corporation, as the operating entity for the non-combustion facility, and the Meralco, National Power Corporation, National Transmission Corporation and other power-related entities.
The EcoWaste Coalition, GAIA, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, BAN Toxics, Health Care Without Harm, and Mother Earth Foundation are among the public interest non-government organizations participating in the project.
Ecological Waste Coalition
Unit 320 Eagle Court Condominium,
26 Matalino Street, Quezon City
Phone: +63 2 9290376
Email: ecowastecoalition@yahoo.com
www.ecowastecoalition.org
PRESS RELEASE: UNIDO technology expert assures public of safe process to rid PCBs
6 February 2009, Quezon City. A visiting technology expert assured the public of the environmental soundness of the technology to be used for the safe elimination of the country’s stockpiles of polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs that are generated mostly by the power sector.
Dr. Luciano Gonzales, technical consultant of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), gave this assurance last Thursday, 5 February, at the Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) in Quezon City, during his presentation of the treatment system to be employed in the destruction of the country’s PCB wastes and PCB-contaminated equipment.
During the presentation and the ensuing discussions, representatives of public interest groups such as the EcoWaste Coalition, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives and Health Care Without Harm raised various safety, health, and ecological concerns regarding the technology.
Asked if there were any incidence where a technical problem occurred in the system in its employment in other countries, Dr. Gonzales straightforwardly said “none”. He added that people welcomed the technology because the technology operator did “open-house, where people come and ask questions about the system and where they get answered openly and frankly. You have to disclose. There’s nothing to hide,” he said.
The technology, which destroys PCBs through dechlorination process by making the chemical react with sodium, meets two specific criteria in the technology selection process:
Firstly, the technology would operate in a system that is essentially closed. This is to ensure that uncontrolled releases of POPs and other substances of concern are avoided.
Secondly, the technology would be capable of achieving total destruction efficiencies (DEs) for POPs and other substances of concern that approach 100 percent. This conforms with the Stockholm Convention in terms of reducing “total releases” to all media with the goal of “their continuing minimization and where feasible ultimate elimination.”
The assurance was made a week after the technology selection was formally announced by Dr. Mohamed Eisa of UNIDO, the implementing agency for the project, during the UNIDO Mission to the Philippines late this January.
“This is good news as finally, a safe, non-burn, ecological process of dealing with our country’s stockpiles of PCBs in compliance with our obligations under the Stockholm Convention and the Chemical Control Order (CCO) for PCBs is available,” says Rey Palacio of the EcoWaste Coalition, one of the groups committed to ensuring meaningful civil society involvement in the project.
The country aims to phase out the use and storage for reuse of PCBs by 2014. This is much earlier than the Stockholm Convention’s 2025 phase out target for the toxic pollutant which has been linked to various health problems, such as its being a probable carcinogen.
Ecological Waste CoalitionUnit 320 Eagle Court Condominium,
26 Matalino Street, Quezon City
Phone: +63 2 9290376
Email: ecowastecoalition@yahoo.com
www.ecowastecoalition.org
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Welcome to the "PCBs-free Philippines" blogsite
This site shall be dedicated to posting press materials, basically from the EcoWaste Coalition, related to the project on non-combustion approach to the destruction of stockpiles of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), a persistent organic pollutant, in the Philippines.
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