Air pollution claims 5,000 Filipino lives annually

At least 5,000 Filipinos are dying every year because of pulmonary diseases caused by poor air quality in the country, a clean air advocate organization said on Tuesday. During a news forum held at Annabel’s Restaurant on Tomas Morato Street in Quezon City, lawyer Glynda Bathan of the Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities said that their figure of 5,000 was based on a study they conducted on effects of air pollution mostly caused by motor vehicles.

Respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia as well as heart disease, are among the results of prolonged exposure to air pollutants, which are fatal to very young and very old individuals.

Based on the study, pulmonary and respiratory illnesses are among the top 10 leading causes of mortality in the Philippines while heart disease is still the No. 1 killer in the country.

Bathan said that her group has called the attention of President Benigno Aquino 3rd through an open letter for his administration to make a priority the campaign against air pollution as he did that on unauthorized use of blaring sirens and blinkers.

The government in the past imposed measures to help eliminate if not minimize air pollution in the country, including compulsory emission testing for vehicles, banning of incinerators and closing of open dumps.

Vehicles are the major source of air pollution particularly in Metro Manila while faulty driving habits and poor
vehicle maintenance contribute to the increase in harmful pollutants released into the air.

The Coalition for Clean Air Advocates (CCAA) said that it will be offering free emission testing specifically to public utility vehicles as their contribution to help promote the Clean Air Act.

Henry Tan, the head of the CCAA, announced that they have started the free emission testing but have been implementing it on a voluntary basis.

CCAA member Alex Loinaz reminded motorists to maintain their vehicles regularly by getting a tune-up, changing oil and checking the radiator.

He said that motorists should use their vehicles’ air-conditioning system only when needed, and to avoid overloading and engine idling for a long period of time. –JEFFERSON ANTIPORDA, Manila Times