Manila mayor seeks Cimatu’s clarification on effects of dolomite

POTENTIAL HARM Dumping white sand on the shore of the rehabilitated Manila Bay may have seemed a fantastic idea for government officials until marine experts and academics raised a howl over the hazards it poses to the bay’s ecosystem. —RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has written a letter to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu asking him to clarify whether it is true that crushed dolomite — used to simulate white sand on Manila Bay — poses hazards to public health.

In his letter, dated Sept. 9, Moreno referred to statements issued on Monday by the Department of Health (DOH) saying that dolomite could cause eye and gastrointestinal irritation in persons to dolomite particles.

“It was reported that Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire of the [DOH] declared that the inhalation of crushed dolomite rock, the material used as white sand filling Manila Bay coastline, can cause respiratory problems as it will have adverse reaction to one’s respiratory system,” Moreno said.

“Hence, pursuant to the faithful discharge of my duty to promote health and safety […] may we seek your clarification on this declaration of Usec. Vergeire to make sure that the health, comfort, and convenience of the city inhabitants and other neighboring local governments are properly taken care of,” he added.

Last Friday, Moreno voiced his support for the project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at Manila Bay, thanking the national government for its efforts to beautify the tourist spot, popular for its famed sunset.

However, several experts cited studies from American companies saying that dolomite might cause cancer and damage to the lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure.

Another research stated that dolomite,  which contains crystalline silica, might be carcinogenic inside the human body.

Aside from the health hazards, various government officials said that the timing of the project was off because the country was still reeling from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But earlier, Cimatu refuted the DOH and the opinion of experts on the issue, claiming that the dolomite sourced from Cebu would pose no danger, as it was not classified as a carcinogen by the Mines Safety and Health Association, the Occupational Safety and Health Association, or even the International Agency for Research Of Cancer.

“What is hazardous is the fine silica quads in some dolomite in the form of dust that is generated during crushing and screening,” Cimatu said.

Despite the concerns, Moreno assured the DENR that the city would still support moves to rehabilitate Manila Bay.

“We trust that you will give this matter your utmost attention as your City Government reiterates its full support, as it is very grateful, to the continued rehabilitation of DENR of Manila Bay, portion of Manila,” Moreno said.

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