Dust from crushed dolomite rocks pose risks, but not toxic —MGB 7

Crushed dolomite rocks, which will be used to beautify the Manila Bay, are not toxic even though their physical properties may pose respiratory risks, the chief science research specialist of the Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB)-Region 7 said Monday.

“‘Pag sinabi mong dust, kahit anong uri ng dust, kahit nga sigarilyo ay nakakasira sa lungs. It’s not because it is dolomite but it is because of the dust, ‘yung physical characteristic niya,” Armando Malicse told Dobol B sa News TV.

The dolomite rocks that will be used to adorn the coastline of Manila Bay were sourced from the town of Alcoy in Cebu province.

“If you talk about toxic, it’s definitely not. The calcium magnesium carbonate, as a matter of fact, ‘pag sinabi mong magnesium, I don’t know if you are familiar with the milk of magnesia na medicine… ‘Yung mga calcium carbonate, actually they are all basic and alkaline,” Malicse explained.

The Department of Health earlier warned that the inhalation of crushed dolomite rocks can cause respiratory issues. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which oversees the MGB, said that the P389-million project will not affect Manila Bay’s ecosystem. 

“I would agree that nakakatulong siya dahil it will help in the conversion of acidic environment into an alkaline one,” Malicse said.

“What are we trying to protect? It’s a sea which is the original home of the dolomite. So para bang ‘yung dolomite naman doon gawa sa dagat, ilalagay mo balik sa dagat, okay lang. HIndi naman siya magre-react na magiging poisonous,” he added.

Malicse also said that the MGB Region 7 has been documenting beaches whose coastlines were previously filled with crushed dolomite rocks.

“We are documenting the beaches na nilagyan ng mga dolomite… Mga five years ago, nilagyan ng dolomite, hanggang ngayon maganda pa ang mga beach and very acceptable to the populace,” he said.

Malicse also maintained that the project has obtained all the necessary permits.

A member of the Cebu provincial board earlier lamented how they were “left in the dark” about the transfer of dolomite from Alcoy to Manila. 

Environmentalist and fisherfolk groups earlier slammed the white sand project as “an aesthetic solution” that “does not solve pollution at the source.” —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News