Group urges safe disposal of fluorescent lamps to protect against mercury

A pro-environment group is campaigning for the safe disposal of burned-out fluorescent lamps to protect waste workers and the environment from mercury pollution.

Non-profit toxics watch group EcoWaste Coalition on Thursday presented "The Toxic Silence of the Lamps," a report that details the unsafe handling, storage, and disposal of mercury-containing lamp waste in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

According to the report, over 150 locations in 21 Metro Manila LGUs and adjacent provinces surveyed from February 1 to March 8, 2018 had burned-out lamps thrown out with regular trash.

This, said the group, exposes pedestrians and waste workers to mercury vapors released by broken lamps, which the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry noted can cause multiple diseases including respiratory failure.

To rectify the situation, EcoWaste suggested that the the Department of Energy (DOE) revive its dormant lamp waste management facility to recover mercury this year.

It also suggested a review of various government orders, on the national, city, and municipal level, to "ensure the inclusion and implementation of environmentally sound management of special wastes."

The lighting industry and manufacturers of lighting products were also enjoined to create drop-off points or collection programs for lamp waste and to specify the mercury content of their lamps on their packaging.

Thony Dizon, EcoWaste Coalition chemical safety campaigner, said the photo investigation was conducted to impress the urgency of proper lamp waste disposal to protect the health of public and waste workers.

“Occupational health risks are high for uninformed and unprotected waste collectors, haulers and recyclers who often handle unsorted wastes with bare face and hands, which may include discarded mercury-added products such as fluorescent lights, switches and relays, thermometers, skin whitening cosmetics and dental fillings,”  he said.

Citing data from the Environmental Management Bureau, the group said 378.89 tons of mercury and mercury-containing wastes released yearly into the environment include 23.5 and 2.20 tons from double-end fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps. — Rie Takumi/BM, GMA News