DOH issues health advisory for Bataan oil spill

The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday issued a public health advisory for those affected by the Bataan oil spill, particularly for responders and clean-up workers.

"Bagamat ang Oil Spill ay hindi pangakaraniwang trahedya, maaari itong magdulot hindi lamang ng pagkasira sa lamang dagat ngunit pati na rin sa kalusugan ng mga tao mae-expose dito," DOH said in a post on social media.

(Although an Oil Spill is not a unusual tragedy, it can cause not only damage to the sea but also to the health of people exposed to it.)

"Mula sa Kagawaran ng Kalusugan at sa lahat ng sangay ng pamahalaan na kasalukuyang nagtutulungan, pinapaalalahanan ang lahat na mag-ingat," it added.

(From the Department of Health and all branches of government currently working together, everyone is reminded to be careful.) 

DOH noted the 3 important reminders to responders, volunteers and clean-up workers. 

• Wear protective gear such as gown, gloves, boots and glasses. 
• Wash your clothes and glasses after every clean-up operation. 
• Property dispose used gloves. 

DOH also added the following reminders: 

• If you get oil, or a tar ball on your skin, wash immediately with gentle soap and water. 
• If you get oil on clothing, wash it in a usual eay, but avoid using strong detergents, solvents or other chemicals.
• Prevent pets from going to oil-contaminated areas. 
• Ensure that all trash, debris, and all leftover items affected by the oil spill are disposed of in a proper and proper manner. 

"Siguraduhin na bukas ang inyong kumunikasyon, maging alerto sa mga updates kung ano ang dapat at hindi dapat natin gawin sa mga panahong ito," it added. 

(Make sure your communication is open, be alert for updates on what we should and shouldn't do during these times.) 

Earlier, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga on Saturday told President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the oil spill caused by the sunken MT Terra Nova in Bataan might affect Bulacan, Cavite, and Pampanga.

"We are on the lookout now for the possible contamination that could happen in the wetlands and the coastline areas not just of Bataan, but we are also looking at Bulacan, and we are also looking at Pampanga, possibly Cavite because of Corregidor," Yulo-Loyzaga said. —Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News