"The DOH has no authority to declare any body of water dead but only the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources," said Carlo Panelo, executive assistant to the DOH secretary.
Panelo said that most of the oil spill has been contained and that so far no toxic chemicals have been detected as there were no reported fish kills, an indication of a more serious contamination.
In a health advisory, the DOH warned residents near the river against bathing, swimming, laundering and wading into the water. It also banned using the water for household purposes and irrigation and the eating of fish and shellfish caught in it and its nearby tributaries affected by oil spillage.
Direct exposure to the contaminated water may result in dermatitis, irritation or corrosion of the eyes, gums and mucus membranes. In extreme cases, skin exposure can lead to severe blisters, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and chemical pneumonitis.
The oil in the river system is still flammable hence, Panelo added, extreme caution should be exercised so as not to mix oxidizing and reducing materials with the contaminated water as this may ignite and emit highly toxic fumes and heat.
In case of contamination, patients may be referred to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH)-National Poison Control and Information Service.