Concern on asbestos-containing products raised

MANILA, Philippines — A labor organization appealed Thursday to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to conduct an inspection of toxic wire gauzes sold in Rizal Avenue, Manila and impose safety product labeling to warn the public of its asbestos content.

The Associated Labor Union (ALU) said eight stalls of hospital and medical supplies along Rizal Avenue, Manila were found openly selling unlabeled wire gauzes, which are feared to contain toxic asbestos. Each wire gauze costs P15 to P35.

ALU policy advocacy officer Alan Tanjusay said most schools in the country purchase wire gauzes from these stores in Rizal Avenue.

ALU national vice-president Gerard Seno appealed for inspection of all asbestos-containing wire gauzes “for serious violation of labeling and handling provisions of the Chemical Control Order (CCO) for asbestos and require its local or foreign manufacturers for safety label.”

The CCO for asbestos was issued in 2000 by the DENR to control and regulate the hazardous effect that asbestos pose to the population. –ELLALYN B. DE VERA, Manila Bulletin