Experts downgrade oil spill toxicity level in Guimaras to 'low-risk'
It does not matter if the island-province of Guimaras was not issued a "clean bill of health" what is important is that, it is now considered under "low risk level" of toxicity.
This the National Poison Management and Control Center pointed out in a media briefing yesterday on the status of health-related problems in the island-province relative to the oil spill disaster which occurred six months ago.
Dr. Lynn Panganiban of the National Poison Center and Occupational Safety Hazards explained there is no such thing as a "clean bill of health." Albeit, she said there is lowering of toxicity level brought about by hydrogen sulfide and other volatile organic compounds specifically in areas worst hit by the oil spill.
Panganiban said they conducted their study September last year. The result of the study was only released Thursday.
In its clinical findings, the center found out that residents living in the affected areas were consistent with acute bunker oil exposure. There were more from the indirectly-exposed group who had medical complaints. There were more abnormal P.E. findings in the directly-exposed group, especially respiratory and anosmia.
Majority had sulfhemoglobinemia and significant methemoglobinemia. Sulfhemoglobin levels were lowest in individuals who were relocated and highest in the individuals from municipality of Sibunag. Sulfhemoglobinemia means there is a presence of sulfmethemoglobin in the blood.
The center has also recommended that an immediate follow-up of residents with abnormal physical and laboratory findings be conducted. "They must establish an effective medical surveillance system to monitor the long term effects of bunker oil on the exposed residents."
The center also recommended that technical capabilities of the health care providers in addressing toxicologic health issues related to the oil spill be strengthened and ensure the provision of the necessary medical interventions. At the same time, they want to maintain a multidisciplinary, multi-sectoral approach in the conduct of the surveillance system and rehabilitation programs.
The center primarily conducted the study to assess the acute health effects of bunker oil among high-risk population in the affected barangays, provide recommendations on the management of affected individuals and communities and draft a proposal to determine the impact of the oil spill in the health of individuals in the affected barangays.
She attributed the result of their study to low-risk after remedies were imposed such as the removal of oil sludge in the affected areas. The presence of oil in the different barangays has effects on the people specifically to those considered as directly exposed.
The study was made even before the oil debris were transferred to Lugait, Misamis Oriental. The thousands of tons of oil debris in the island-province was first shipped in November last year. The second shipment of oil debris met another mishap when the vessel sank of the seas of Misamis Occidental.
In an interview, Panganiban said they are hoping that the level of toxicity brought about by the bunker fuel will decrease since they have not receive any additional complaints from the residents. She, however said they should not be complacent as there are still remaining bunker oil in the ship's compartment.
The center with the help of the local government unit of Guimaras and the regional office of the Department of Health (DoH) wants to start the medical surveillance to check on the health status of affected residents.