#HumanRights #ClimateJustice

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recently published data on the leading causes of death in 2023. Among them are cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, which are exacerbated by long-term exposure to particulate matter, a type of air pollutant. The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) reiterates the call for local and national governments to raise air quality standards and protect public health.

Ischemic heart diseases (reduced blood flow to the heart) are the leading cause of death in the country, counting up to 44,770 cases (19.3% of the total death count). Neoplasms, which include lung cancer, account for 24,066 deaths, while pneumonia ranks fifth at 13,462 cases. Ranking sixth to ninth are hypertensive diseases and other heart and respiratory ailments like tuberculosis. All of these are worsened by particulate matter in the air.

Particulate matter is classified between PM10 and PM2.5. PM2.5 is much finer than PM10, and is largely produced by the burning of fossil fuels. When inhaled, it can go deep into the lungs and the bloodstream, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. As of 2024, the daily average concentration of PM2.5 accepted by our local standards is more than that recommended by the World Health organization (WHO).

“Poor air quality doesn’t care if you’re at home or outside. If you breathe in foul air daily, your body will eventually reach its limit,” explains Dr. Benito Molino, resident medical expert of PMCJ. “Many factors lead to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including genetics and lifestyle, but we cannot deny that the environment has a big impact. Look at communities around factories and power plants to see the difference.”

The call to raise air quality standards coincides with the anniversary of the petition to investigate the health impacts of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Batangas. This was filed after reports of increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in communities hosting LNG power plants.

Larry Pascua, senior energy campaign officer of PMCJ, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this health crisis. “The Batangas City Health Office (BCHO) and the DOH deny it, but every second, children and elderly take one breath closer to sickness and death. These communities need to breathe. It is up to the government to ensure they have access to clean air.”

Locals expressed concern over the health offices’ negligence. “The dire effects of air pollution are felt nationwide. This is a more urgent matter for us here in Batangas because we live much closer to sources of these pollutants. The BCHO needs to prioritize the health of its constituents,” said William Bugtong, chairman of Batangueño for Health and Clean Air for All.

We urge both the local health office of Batangas and the national government to take concrete steps in addressing the health threat posed by our poor air quality.

RAISE AIR QUALITY STANDARDS NOW!
CLEAN AIR NOW!

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