MANILA, Philippines – The government should conduct thorough inspections of manufacturing plants and warehouses harboring hazardous chemicals to prevent leaks that could affect the health of Metro Manila residents, Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon said earlier this week.
He addressed the call to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and various local government units after toxic fumes leaked from the D&L Chemrez plastics plant in Barangay Bagumbayan, Quezon City, which affected residents of surrounding areas, including Pasig City.
Gordon said Quezon City and Pasig residents called up the PRC Operations Center seeking help due to the fumes coming from the plastics plant.
He said government units should inspected industrial plants and warehouses located near population centers and check if these establishments store chemicals in accordance with international safety standards.
“There should also be stricter zoning of industrial plants and warehouses with hazardous materials away from homes. An earthquake, fire or accident could cause great loss of life to residents even kilometers away from an industrial plant,” Gordon said.