Over 500 residents from Barangay Lamao in Limay, Bataan, are complaining about the harmful effects caused by ash fall caused by a coal-fired power plant in the area.
It’s already causing health problems
The residents not only complained about the fact that they have to clean the ash from their homes everyday, but their families are starting to get sick from the power plant constantly belching fumes and ash .
Almost all of the residents have complained of lung problems; one resident, named, Anita, said that her husband’s lung disease became worse when the power plant started operating. Sadly, it led to his demise.
Another mother, Angeline, reports that her children have constantly suffered from cough and colds because of the fumes from the power plant. Other have reported having skin diseases that are caused by the ash fall.
The DENR won’t allow the plant to operate until the problem has been addressed
According to the LICCI, or Limay Concerned Citizens Incorporated, the ash fall comes from the waste material, or ‘bottom ash’ coming from the power plant that gets dumped near the town. Whenever the wind blows, it picks up the ash from the dump, which then gets scattered throughout the town.
The local government will be investigating the incident to see who is responsible for the ash fall. Additionally, the DENR has already issued a notice of violation against the plant, saying that they should not be able to operate the plant until all of the problems caused by the ash fall have been addressed, including paying the medical bills of the residents.
Go to the next page to learn more about the importance of clean air.
Clean air is extremely important to our kids’ health
It shouldn’t be any surprise that air pollution has a profoundly negative impact on our children’s health. Research has shown that in places with a high level of air pollution, children get sick more often, and suffer from different types of lung disease.
Air pollution has also been linked to smaller lung capacity, and compromised breathing in children.
So, what can we do to help reduce air pollution? Here are some tips:
- Quit smoking. If anyone in your home is a smoker, it’s best to quit as soon as possible. Cigarette smoke stinks up your home, and causes a lot of health problems.
- Avoid using household cleaners with harsh chemicals. If possible, it’s best to use household cleaners that are organic or natural, or have very small amounts of harsh chemicals, since these have very few chemicals that can irritate you and your family’s lungs.
- Make sure your home is well-ventilated. Keeping your home well-ventilated is important to make sure that fresh air is constantly flowing inside your home. If you’re using air conditioning, make sure to keep the air filters clean to make sure that the air coming from your air conditioners are clean.
- Clean your home regularly. Keeping your home clean and free from dust is very important as these can cause lung problems. Make sure to keep your home free from dust by cleaning regularly.
- Have your car emission tested. In some cases, your car might be giving your lung problems from the exhaust fumes. That’s why you have to have your car tested for harmful emissions every so often.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com, parenting.com, health.clevelandclinic.org
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