Toxic fumes down 28 in Cavite

CAVITE , Philippines  – Twenty-eight persons were hospitalized after they allegedly get ill due to chemical fumes emitted by a treatment plant in Silang, Cavite yesterday morning.

Dr. Annaliza Legacion, outpatient doctor from Pagamutang Bayan ng Carmona said the 28 patients, all residents of Barangay Maguyam in Silang, Cavite, trooped to the hospital and were dignosed with different illnesses.

Legacion said 12 of them were suffering from upper respiratory tract infection, five were diagnosed with gastritis, three with urinary tract infection and the rest with vertigo, contact dermatitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis and appendicitis.

Reports said the victims were accusing Cleanway Corp., a hazardous waste treatment plant as the main cause of their ailments. Legacion however said – “a thorough investigation should be conducted first before concluding that the sickness indeed came from the fumes of the plant.”

The STAR tried to reach Cleanway Corp. for reaction but no one was available for interview yesterday, according to security guard Noel Polana.

Last week, around 10 people from the same barangay were also hospitalized after suffering dizziness, vomiting and loose bowel movement. – Arnell Ozaeta, Philippine Star