Mayor Isko wants clarification from DENR regarding alleged hazards of crushed dolomite

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno is seeking clarification from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regarding the possible health risks of the crushed dolomite rocks that were used as "white sand" in filling a portion of the Manila Bay coastline.

In a letter dated September 8, 2020, Moreno said GMA News, citing Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, has reported that inhalation of dolomite particles could cause respiratory problems.

"Hence, pursuant to the faithful discharge of my duty to promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology and preserve the comfort and convenience of the city inhabitants, 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 government units are properly taken care of," Moreno said in the letter addressed to DENR Sec. Roy Cimatu.

Crushed dolomite rocks from Cebu province were placed on the shoreline of Manila Bay as part of the DENR's P389-million beach nourishment project.

Aside from respiratory problems, Vergeire, during an online forum on Monday, said crushed dolomite rocks could also irritate the eyes and result in "gastro-intestinal discomfort" when ingested

Vergeire, however, said that it is up to the DENR to say if placing crushed dolomite rocks along Manila Bay's shoreline is a sound move.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV on Tuesday, DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said the health hazard that Vergeire was referring to takes place during the process of crushing dolomite rocks, which emits dolomite dust, and not the crushed rocks themselves like the ones used in Manila Bay

“Finished product na po ito, at five millimeters po ito, 100 times na mas malaki sa dolomite dust kaya hindi po mai-inhale ito,” Antiporda said. —KBK, GMA News