Environmental Health

Environmental Health is concerned with preventing illness through managing the environment and by
changing people's behavior to reduce exposure to biological and non-biological agents of disease and injury.
It is concerned primarily with effects of the environment to the health of the people.

Program strategies and activities are focused on environmental sanitation, environmental health impact
assessment and occupational health through inter-agency collaboration. An Inter-Agency COmmittee on
Environmental Health was created by virute of E.O. 489 to facilitate and improve coordination among
concerned agencies. It provides the venue for technical collaboration, effective monitoring and
communication, resource mobilization, policy review and development. The Committee has five sectoral
task forces on water, solid waste, air, toxic and chemical substances and occupational health.

Vision:

Health Settings for All Filipinos

Mission:

Provide leadership in ensuring health settings

Goals:

Reduction of environmental and occupational related diseases, disabilities and deaths through health
promotion and mitigation of hazards and risks in the environment and worksplaces.

Strategic Objectives:

1. Development of evidence-based policies, guidelines, standards, programs and parameters for specific
healthy settings.

2. Provision of technical assistance to implementers and other relevant partners

3. Strengthening inter-sectoral collaboration and broad based mass participation for the promotion and
attainment of healthy settings

Key Result Areas:

• Appropriate development and regular evaluation of relevant programs, projects, policies and plans
on environmental and occupational health
• Timely provision of technical assistance to Centers for Health Development (CHDs) and other
partners
• Development of responsive/relevant legislative and research agenda on DPC
• Timely provision of technical inputs to curriculum development and conduct of human resource
development
• Timely provision of technically sound advice to the Secretary and other stakeholders
• Timely and adequate provision of strategic logistics

Components:

• Inter- agency Committee on Environmental Health

• IACEH Task Force on Water
• IACEH Task Force on Solid Waste
• IACEH Task Force on Toxic Chemicals
• IACEH Task Force on Occupational Health
• Environmental Sanitation
• Environmental Health Impact Assessment
• Occupational Health
What is soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH)?
Soil-transmitted helminthiasis is an infection or disease caused by soil-transmitted heminthes.

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What are the three (3) most common soil-transmitted helminthes?

1. Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm)
2. Trichuris trichiura (whipworm)
3. Hookworm

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What are the common signs and symptoms of STH?

1. abdominal pain and enlargement
2. anemia
3. weight loss
4. malnutrition
5. loss of appetite

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What are the effects of STH?

1. decreased physical development of children
2. decreased physical activities
3. decreased performance in school

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What is the mode of transmission of STH?

1. fecal - oral route for ascaris, trichuris and hookworm (Necator americanus)
2. skin penetration for hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale)

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How can STH be diagnosed?

1. Kato katz technique- determines the intensity of infection
2. Direct fecal smear
3. Concentration method

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How can STH be prevented?

1. Good personal hygiene like washing hands before eating and after using the toilet
2. Clean and safe preparation of food
3. Always use slippers or shoes
4. Proper use of toilet faciities
5. Environmental sanitation

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What is the treatment of STH?

Mebendazole 500 mg for children 1- 12y/o and above
 or

Albendazole 200 mg for children 1-2 y/o

Albendazole 400 mg for children 2 y/o and above

When was the ban on the use of hospital waste incinerator took effect?
The ban took effect last July 17, 2003.

top

What is the recommended color-coding scheme for waste containers/bags in the

The color-coding scheme to be used in the health care facility as stipulated in the
Healthcare Waste Management Manual includes the following:

Black – for non-infectious dry waste

Green – for non-infectious wet waste
Yellow – for infectious and pathological waste
Yellow with Black Band – for chemical waste including those with heavy metals
Orange – for radioactive waste
Red – for sharps and pressurized containers

top

What alternative technologies is available in-place of hospital incinerator?

The following approved technologies are available and in operation in the
country: Microwave, Autoclave and Pyrolysis System.

top

How do we dispose expired/adulterated pharmaceuticals?

Expired/adulterated pharmaceuticals can be disposed of properly either by “Delay
to Decay” Method or by “Inertization”.

top

Who is/are responsible for the health care waste treatment and disposal in the
healthcare facility?
The Healthcare Waste Management Committee, headed by the Healthcare
Facility Administrator is the one responsible for the proper treatment and disposal
of healthcare wastes.

top

What is air pollution?

Air pollution is made up of many kinds of gases, droplets and particles that reduce the quality of the air.

top
What are the symptoms air pollution cause?
Different people react very differently to air pollution. Some people may notice chest tightness or cough,
while others may not notice any effect. The most common symptoms are irritation of the eyes, throat and
lungs.

People with heart disease such as angina, or with lung disease, such as asthma or emphysema, may be very
sensitive to air pollution exposure and may notice symptoms while others may not

top

Who are most vulnerable to air pollution?

Children, pregnant women, older persons, and those with existing illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases,
asthma, bronchitis, etc. are the most vulnerable to illnesses relating to air pollution.

top

What can I do to protect my health and of my family?

• If possible, stay away from areas that have problems in air pollution.
• If you are in heavily polluted areas, limit and avoid strenuous activities such as exercise, jogging, brisk
walking, etc.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle i.e., avoid cigarette/tobacco smoking
• Don’t permit smoking in your homes and offices
• Use cleaner fuels in cooking our foods.
• Don’t burn garbage or allow activities that will generate excessive air pollution
• Properly maintain your vehicle and comply with all emission requirements

top

What are the major air pollutants?

The major air pollutants include the following:

• Particulate Matter (PM)

• Lead (Pb)
• Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)
• Oxides of Sulfur (SOx)
• Ozone (O3)
• Carbon Monoxide (CO)

top

How can I be exposed to chemicals?

Chemicals are used in the home (household chemicals), in schools (arts, sciences, etc.), as agricultural
inputs (fertilizers and pesticides) and in industry. Chemicals released from different sources may
contaminate various environmental compartments such as the food, water, air and soil that may eventually
be taken by man. The major routes by which toxic substances gain access to the body are through
ingestion (gastrointestinal), inhalation (lungs) and dermal (skin).

top

What are the health effects of chemicals?

Chemicals may have acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) effects, which may affect various organ
systems of the body depending on the chemical, dose, duration, degree and manner of exposure and
susceptibility of the individual.
Acute effects may include nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, irritation, and loss of consciousness or
even death in extreme cases. Chronic effects of chemicals may include carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic,
endocrine disruption and damage to the various organ systems of the body.

top

How can we monitor our exposure to these different chemicals?

Regular environmental monitoring of air, water, food and soil is necessary to determine exposure patterns of
the individual and communities. Occupational exposure to chemicals should also be regularly undertaken.
We can monitor one’s exposure to chemical substances through determination of the levels in the different
biomarkers including its metabolites in the body. Samples such as hair, blood, urine, feces, nails, sweat,
saliva, expired air, tissues, etc may be collected and analyzed.

top

What are the possible measures to reduce levels of these chemicals in the body?
Primarily, it is recommended that the individual be removed from the source of exposure. Some chemicals
may have short residence times in the body while other chemicals may accumulate in the different
compartments (i.e. bones, tissues, etc). Nutritional supplementation (iron, folate, etc) may reduce
absorption of metals in the body. Clinical toxicologists may also recommend detoxification treatment to
manage poisoning cases.

top

Where can I get more information?

You can get more information from the poison control and information centers in `the different parts of the
country, Environmental and Occupational Health Office, National Centers for Disease Prevention and Control,
Department of Health. 24-hour information is available at the UP-PGH/National Poison Control and
Information Service at 524-10-78.

top

How many people are killed worldwide because of traffic accidents?

In 2002, more than one million people are killed worldwide as a result of road traffic crashes or 3,242 cases
daily. During the same year, road traffic injuries caused 1.18 million deaths worldwide, accounting for 2.1
% of the global mortality.

top

In what age group most road traffic deaths commonly occur?

Almost 50% of the global road traffic deaths occur among young adults aged between 15 and 44 years.
Mortality rate for males is three times higher that that of females.

top

Who among the road users are the most vulnerable victims?

• Pedestrians
• Pedal Cyclists
• Motorcyclists
• Motorized Two-Wheelers
• Occupants of buses and mini-buses

top
Who are most likely to meet accident?
Males are most likely to be involved in road traffic crashes than females, (73%).

top

What are the risk factors contributory to traffic accidents?

The risk factors contributory to traffic accidents may be related to human behaviors, vehicle designs, and
road conditions.

• Over speeding
• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Not using safety devices (i.e. helmets, seat belts, child restraints)
• Poor road designs
• Inadequate vehicle safety standards
• Poor trauma care systems

top

What are the measures that can be instituted to achieve waste minimization?
4. What are the measures that can be instituted to achieve waste minimization?

The following measures can be instituted to achieve waste minimization: reduction at source, segregation,
re-use and recycling and composting.

top

What are the roles of the local health units in the implementation of the Solid Waste
Management Program?
The roles of the local health units in the implementation of Solid Waste Management Program will be on the
advocacy, technical assistance and monitoring.

top

What is Ecological Solid Waste Management?

Ecological Solid Waste Management is the systematic administration of activities, which provide for
segregation at source, segregated transportation, storage, transfer, processing, treatment and disposal of
solid waste and all other waste management activities which do not harm the environment.

top

What is MRF or Material Recovery Facility?

MRF or material recovery facility is a solid waste transfer station or sorting station, drop-off center,
composting facility and recycling facility.

top

What is solid waste?

Solid wastes are discarded household, commercial, non-hazardous institutional, and industrial wastes, street
sweepings, construction debris, agricultural waste and other non-hazardous/non-toxic solid waste.
(vector control)

DOH STRENGTHENS NATIONWIDE ANTI-DENGUE ATTACK

Press Release/31 January 2008

The Department of Health (DOH) today disclosed that it is launching simultaneously its regional kick-off
activities for its To-DOH LABAN Sa DENGUE, the national anti-dengue campaign, this February with Health
Secretary Francisco T. Duque III leading the rites in the CARAGA region.

"Dengue is now a year-round threat because of rising temperatures and the unpredictable weather that
brings in the rains in the normally dry and warm months of the year. Because of this phenomenon, there are
already many reported dengue cases this early part of 2008. Adding to this is the heightened dengue
awareness among the public, which makes them suspicious of any symptom closely associated with dengue
and seeking medical attention right away," Duque explained.

During the press conference, the health chief encouraged local government officials to expand their search
and destroy operations and include vacant lots and empty houses where dengue mosquitoes can secretly
thrive.

"We cannot be complacent about these things. We understand that it is off-limits to barge into private
properties. But we must invoke public safety and health and expand our “search and destroy” operations
anywhere that the dengue mosquito can breed and thrive. It is useless for one household to participate in
our aggressive sanitation drive and vector control when the house next to them is harboring mosquitoes. In
the end, dengue prevention is about community action and we need the local governments to help us with
this," Duque stressed.

Meanwhile, the DOH has initially given P2.5 million to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to
purchase re-agents needed for its dengue surveillance.

Duque said that with these re-agents, doctors will be able to tell right away which are dengue suspects from
real dengue cases. It will also enable epidemiologic experts in the country to identify which strain of the
dengue virus is circulating in a particular community.

Among the objectives of this procedure is to identify suspect cases and fully investigate them during routine
surveillance and disease outbreaks. He said that this is going to be particularly helpful in times when there
are many reports of clustering of dengue cases which may indicate a high probability of an outbreak.

"With the availability of re-agents, RITM can run hundreds of samples per day and make the results
available within 24 hours. So, the results of blood samples collected from a reported clustering of cases sent
to RITM for confirmatory test will be immediately available. In other words, this is going to be a big help in
confirming cases before declaring if there is an outbreak or none," Duque explained.

The health chief added that the other objectives of RITM's dengue laboratory surveillance are to provide
serological tests, to determine the circulating serotype, to provide baseline data on the prevalence of
dengue in the country, and to recommend strategies for prevention and control.

On the other hand, Duque also disclosed today that the DOH has established a Dengue War Room at the
National Epidemiology Center to facilitate faster tracking of reported dengue cases in different parts of the
country and immediately identify areas where clustering of cases has been noted.

"This war room is going to be the DOH's dengue operation center where all reports of dengue cases
nationwide, be it sporadic or clustering, will be collected and analyzed. This war room will help us identify
the area where the next possible outbreak will take place. With such information, we can now swiftly send
help and immediately arrest possible spread of dengue cases," the health chief explained.

(housing for disabled)

TITLE FOUR – FINAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 39. Housing Program – The National Government shall take into consideration in its national
shelter programs the special housing requirement of disabled persons.

When was the ban on the use of hospital waste incinerator took effect?
The ban took effect last July 17, 2003.

top

What is the recommended color-coding scheme for waste containers/bags in the

The color-coding scheme to be used in the health care facility as stipulated in the
Healthcare Waste Management Manual includes the following:

Black – for non-infectious dry waste

Green – for non-infectious wet waste
Yellow – for infectious and pathological waste
Yellow with Black Band – for chemical waste including those with heavy metals
Orange – for radioactive waste
Red – for sharps and pressurized containers

top

What alternative technologies is available in-place of hospital incinerator?

The following approved technologies are available and in operation in the
country: Microwave, Autoclave and Pyrolysis System.

top

How do we dispose expired/adulterated pharmaceuticals?

Expired/adulterated pharmaceuticals can be disposed of properly either by “Delay
to Decay” Method or by “Inertization”.

top

Who is/are responsible for the health care waste treatment and disposal in the
healthcare facility?
The Healthcare Waste Management Committee, headed by the Healthcare
Facility Administrator is the one responsible for the proper treatment and disposal
of healthcare wastes.

top

What is air pollution?

Air pollution is made up of many kinds of gases, droplets and particles that reduce the quality of the air.

top
What are the symptoms air pollution cause?
Different people react very differently to air pollution. Some people may notice chest tightness or cough,
while others may not notice any effect. The most common symptoms are irritation of the eyes, throat and
lungs.

People with heart disease such as angina, or with lung disease, such as asthma or emphysema, may be very
sensitive to air pollution exposure and may notice symptoms while others may not

top

Who are most vulnerable to air pollution?

Children, pregnant women, older persons, and those with existing illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases,
asthma, bronchitis, etc. are the most vulnerable to illnesses relating to air pollution.

top

What can I do to protect my health and of my family?

• If possible, stay away from areas that have problems in air pollution.
• If you are in heavily polluted areas, limit and avoid strenuous activities such as exercise, jogging, brisk
walking, etc.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle i.e., avoid cigarette/tobacco smoking
• Don’t permit smoking in your homes and offices
• Use cleaner fuels in cooking our foods.
• Don’t burn garbage or allow activities that will generate excessive air pollution
• Properly maintain your vehicle and comply with all emission requirements

top

What are the major air pollutants?

The major air pollutants include the following:

• Particulate Matter (PM)

• Lead (Pb)
• Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)
• Oxides of Sulfur (SOx)
• Ozone (O3)
• Carbon Monoxide (CO)

top

How can I be exposed to chemicals?

Chemicals are used in the home (household chemicals), in schools (arts, sciences, etc.), as agricultural
inputs (fertilizers and pesticides) and in industry. Chemicals released from different sources may
contaminate various environmental compartments such as the food, water, air and soil that may eventually
be taken by man. The major routes by which toxic substances gain access to the body are through
ingestion (gastrointestinal), inhalation (lungs) and dermal (skin).

top

What are the health effects of chemicals?

Chemicals may have acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) effects, which may affect various organ
systems of the body depending on the chemical, dose, duration, degree and manner of exposure and
susceptibility of the individual.
Acute effects may include nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, irritation, and loss of consciousness or
even death in extreme cases. Chronic effects of chemicals may include carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic,
endocrine disruption and damage to the various organ systems of the body.

top

How can we monitor our exposure to these different chemicals?

Regular environmental monitoring of air, water, food and soil is necessary to determine exposure patterns of
the individual and communities. Occupational exposure to chemicals should also be regularly undertaken.
We can monitor one’s exposure to chemical substances through determination of the levels in the different
biomarkers including its metabolites in the body. Samples such as hair, blood, urine, feces, nails, sweat,
saliva, expired air, tissues, etc may be collected and analyzed.

top

What are the possible measures to reduce levels of these chemicals in the body?
Primarily, it is recommended that the individual be removed from the source of exposure. Some chemicals
may have short residence times in the body while other chemicals may accumulate in the different
compartments (i.e. bones, tissues, etc). Nutritional supplementation (iron, folate, etc) may reduce
absorption of metals in the body. Clinical toxicologists may also recommend detoxification treatment to
manage poisoning cases.

top

Where can I get more information?

You can get more information from the poison control and information centers in `the different parts of the
country, Environmental and Occupational Health Office, National Centers for Disease Prevention and Control,
Department of Health. 24-hour information is available at the UP-PGH/National Poison Control and
Information Service at 524-10-78.

top

How many people are killed worldwide because of traffic accidents?

In 2002, more than one million people are killed worldwide as a result of road traffic crashes or 3,242 cases
daily. During the same year, road traffic injuries caused 1.18 million deaths worldwide, accounting for 2.1
% of the global mortality.

top

In what age group most road traffic deaths commonly occur?

Almost 50% of the global road traffic deaths occur among young adults aged between 15 and 44 years.
Mortality rate for males is three times higher that that of females.

top

Who among the road users are the most vulnerable victims?

• Pedestrians
• Pedal Cyclists
• Motorcyclists
• Motorized Two-Wheelers
• Occupants of buses and mini-buses

top
Who are most likely to meet accident?
Males are most likely to be involved in road traffic crashes than females, (73%).

top

What are the risk factors contributory to traffic accidents?

The risk factors contributory to traffic accidents may be related to human behaviors, vehicle designs, and
road conditions.

• Over speeding
• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Not using safety devices (i.e. helmets, seat belts, child restraints)
• Poor road designs
• Inadequate vehicle safety standards
• Poor trauma care systems

top

What are the measures that can be instituted to achieve waste minimization?
4. What are the measures that can be instituted to achieve waste minimization?

The following measures can be instituted to achieve waste minimization: reduction at source, segregation,
re-use and recycling and composting.

top

What are the roles of the local health units in the implementation of the Solid Waste
Management Program?
The roles of the local health units in the implementation of Solid Waste Management Program will be on the
advocacy, technical assistance and monitoring.

top

What is Ecological Solid Waste Management?

Ecological Solid Waste Management is the systematic administration of activities, which provide for
segregation at source, segregated transportation, storage, transfer, processing, treatment and disposal of
solid waste and all other waste management activities which do not harm the environment.

top

What is MRF or Material Recovery Facility?

MRF or material recovery facility is a solid waste transfer station or sorting station, drop-off center,
composting facility and recycling facility.

top

What is solid waste?

Solid wastes are discarded household, commercial, non-hazardous institutional, and industrial wastes, street
sweepings, construction debris, agricultural waste and other non-hazardous/non-toxic solid waste.