The results of the study, titled "Baseline Health Profile of Communities Located in Metro Manila Airshed," were presented by Julian Amador, director of the Environmental and Management Bureau and concurrent project director of the Metro Manila Air Quality Improvement Sector Development Program (MMAQISDP). The study was a component of the Public Health Monitoring of the MMAQISDP in support of the Clean Air Act.
The study was aimed at determining the baseline characteristics of communities in the Metro Manila airshed. The results of the study will form the basis for a follow-up study two to three years hence to evaluate the impact of the urban air quality management program.
Results of the study show that the average household size in Metro Manila is 6.9, much larger than the average western household and having a higher congestion index of four. As a result, people in Metro Manila are more susceptible to respiratory illnesses due to more frequent and closer contact. Asthma and difficulty of breathing were found to be the most frequent illnesses, followed by ordinary cough and penumonia.
The average hourly levels of particulate matter of 10 microns in diameter are indicative of unhealthy conditions for children, the elderly and those who are already suffering form ashtma and other respiratory illnesses. Exposure to lead indoors partly contibuted to the blood lead levels determined among children involved in the study.
While the occurence of benzene was detected in a very few households, the study said it is important to be considered because of its carcinogenic activity.
The study also noted that levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide indoors are negligible. However, the study recommended that the DOH develop a public awareness program that will highlight the strategies in preventing exposure to indoor air pollutants.
It also recommended that local government should implement these programs in their respective areas of jurisdiction. Further, indoor and ambient air quality monitoring should be continued in order to facilitate exposure assessment and to strengthen health risk reduction measures.