The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a public health advisory for those affected by the oil spill in Bataan, focusing on responders and clean-up workers. This comes after a Philippine-flagged tanker carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil sank off the coast of Limay, Bataan.
A Philippine Coast Guard member arranges an oil spill containment boom to be on standby for deployment at a port in Limay, Bataan on July 25, 2024. © Jam Sta. Rosa/AFP
The advisory highlights the potential health risks posed by the oil spill. “Although an oil spill is not an unusual tragedy, it can cause not only damage to marine life but also harm to the health of people exposed to it,” the DOH stated on social media.
Key Reminders from DOH:
- Wear Protective Gear: Responders and clean-up workers should use gowns, gloves, boots, and glasses.
- Proper Hygiene: Wash clothes and glasses after each clean-up operation and properly dispose of used gloves.
- Immediate Cleaning: If oil or tar balls come into contact with skin, wash immediately with gentle soap and water. Wash contaminated clothing as usual but avoid strong detergents or solvents.
- Pet Safety: Prevent pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.
- Disposal of Waste: Ensure that all trash, debris, and leftover items affected by the oil spill are disposed of properly.
“Make sure your communication is open and be alert for updates on what we should and shouldn’t do during these times,” the DOH added.
Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga informed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the oil spill from the sunken MT Terra Nova could potentially contaminate wetlands and coastline areas in Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, and possibly Cavite.