Hazardous chemicals in Subic freeport slammed

A CONSUMER advocacy group called on the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), as well as the Bureau of Customs (BOC), to look into the disposal of hazardous chemicals and items in Subic freeport.

Jake Silo, spokesman for Action for Consumerism and Transparency for Nation Building ( Action), said that asbestos and other hazardous materials such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), might not be properly handled and disposed by Bonapor Metal Contractor Services and General Merchandise, the firm assigned by the SBMA to demolish the old power plant used by the US, and salvage the scrap metal in the facility.

Silo said that the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service ( CIIS) on August 5 accosted and apprehended a truck of Bonapor for allegedly shipping out of the Freeport scrap materials without paying taxes and other fees.

Bonapor owner Bonifacio Aporo is now under investigation by the CIIS-Subic Collection District.

Action said that the SBMA and BOC should check if the company has the requisite licenses to handle hazardous and dangerous chemicals.

The group added that the CIIS should also search the seized truck for asbestos.

The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, warned workers that the inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious diseases of the lungs and other organs.

Chronic (long-term) exposure to some PCB formulations results in respiratory tract symptoms, gastrointestinal effects, mild liver effects, and effects on the skin and eyes such as chloracne, skin rashes, and eye irritation. Epidemiological studies indicate an association between dietary PCB exposures and developmental effects.