Dolomite may cause health problems – DoH

THE Department of Health (DoH) said dolomite, which was used in the restoration of the Manila Bay shoreline, might cause health problems such as respiratory diseases. Various groups have criticized the use of dolomite sand in the bay’s rehabilitation, saying the money for the project should have been allotted instead for the coronavirus pandemic response.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the department would study dolomite’s effects on health. She added that based on studies, dolomite dust might cause respiratory problems if a person breathes the small particles. “Pero hindi po natin sinasabi (But we are not saying that) when you go to Manila Bay, you’ll get it at once,” she said. Dolomite dust can also irritate the eyes and can cause gastrointestinal problems when ingested, according to the Health official.

Vergeire, however, believes that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) studied the effects on the use of dolomite prior to its use. She reminded the public to observe health standards if they visit the bay to avoid the effects of dolomite.

“When you go to Manila Bay, kailangan po gagawin minimum health standards and when you wear your masks, ito pong (we should continue to do minimum health standards and when you wear your masks, the) inhalation effects can be prevented.” Vergeire said.

Malacañang on Monday defended the decision to place dolomite sand on a stretch of Baywalk, saying it was also to prevent soil erosion.

“Itong ginawa po nila, ito po ay tinatawag na (What they did was) beach enhancement. So, hindi lang po ito pagpapaganda ( it was not merely beautification). Itong beach enhancement pong ito ay para po maiwasan ang soil erosion at para makatulong din po sa (the beach enhancement was to avoid soil erosion and for) flood control. So, although it is primarily beautification, it is a soil erosion project, it is part of an overall adaptation policy of the DENR,” Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said.