DOH bans eating fish from Romblon waters

(Updated 11:10 a.m.) MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday advised residents not to eat fish caught near the MV Princess of the Stars that capsized off Romblon, following reports that the vessel was found to be carrying a pesticide shipment. In a briefing at the Department of National Defense, Health Sec. Francisco Duque said ingestion of endosulfan, a "restricted pesticide" used in pineapple plantations, may cause death or affect the nervous system. Duque noted that fish that live in endosulfan-contaminated waters can build up endosulfan in their bodies. This, even as it noted that, so far, there are no observable signs of endosulfan contamination in and around the capsized ship. "Fish and other marine life harvested from that area are now considered not fit for human consumption after complete tests indicate that there was no endosulfan contamination... Animals like fishes that live in endosulfan contaminated waters can build up endosulfan in their bodies. The amount of endosulfan in their bodies can be several times greater that in the surrounding water," Duque said. "Endosulfan is a restricted pesticide for use in pineapple plantations. At toxic levels and following ingestion it can cause death or affect the central nervous system, manifesting as headaches, dizziness, nausea, tremors, convulsions which may also include cardiovascular symptoms," he added. For his part, Vice President Noli de Castro Jr said the ban extends particularly to San Fernando town in Romblon province, the nearest area from the site of the capsized MV Princess of the Stars. Duque, however, allayed fears that the 10 metric ton shipment had already leaked into the waters at the vicinity of the capsized vessel, saying authorities have not observed contamination in the area. "Presently there are no observable signs of endosulfan contamination. Let me repeat that. Presently there are no observable signs of endosulfan contamination in and around the waters of the ship such as fish kills or divers getting sick," Duque said. In the briefing, Duque said efforts are underway to evaluate the possible exposure of rescue divers to the chemical and to check possible illnesses divers are suffering if in case they have been exposed to the pesticide. The Health official also noted that the department is also monitoring possible health effects on residents near the site where the vessel capsized. "There are now efforts to assess exposures of divers and possible illnesses in case there was indeed an endosulfan exposure... DOH has set up disease surveillance to monitor other health effect of residents in the area," Duque said. - GMANews.TV