Status of Asbestos in the Philippines

4th Asian Asbestos Initiative (AAI4) International Seminar Pusan, Republic of Korea, 16-18 November 2011

ELMER G. BENEDICTOS, ME, MPASupervising Health Program Officer/OIC-EOHO

Department of Health, Philippines

Outline of Presentation

n General Profilen Responsible Agenciesn Enabling Laws and Policiesn Present Initiatives and Activitiesn Challenges/Recommendations

n General Profilen Responsible Agenciesn Enabling Laws and Policiesn Present Initiatives and Activitiesn Challenges/Recommendations

General Profilen Total ban on all types of asbestos except Chrysotilen Over P5 Billion Industry (USD 100M)n 12,000 workers employed

§ 5,000 direct§ 30,000 indirect

n Compensation of P315 M/YR (USD 7.32M)n Volume of Importation:

– 3,667 MT/YR (DENR)/ 4,000 MT/YR (DTI)– 6,000 MT/YR (ACIP)

n Confirmed cases of asbestosis/mesothelioma: 9 (ECC/LCP)

n Total ban on all types of asbestos except Chrysotilen Over P5 Billion Industry (USD 100M)n 12,000 workers employed

§ 5,000 direct§ 30,000 indirect

n Compensation of P315 M/YR (USD 7.32M)n Volume of Importation:

– 3,667 MT/YR (DENR)/ 4,000 MT/YR (DTI)– 6,000 MT/YR (ACIP)

n Confirmed cases of asbestosis/mesothelioma: 9 (ECC/LCP)

Agency Responsiblen DENR-EMB establishes rules, regulations, and

programs for controlling chemical substances and hazardous wastes in the Philippines.

n DOLE - BWC establishes rules and regulations and programs for controlling work related hazards, accidents and injuries in the workplace.

n DOH – NCDPC establishes rules and regulations to ensure the health and welfare of the population.

n DENR-EMB establishes rules, regulations, and programs for controlling chemical substances and hazardous wastes in the Philippines.

n DOLE - BWC establishes rules and regulations and programs for controlling work related hazards, accidents and injuries in the workplace.

n DOH – NCDPC establishes rules and regulations to ensure the health and welfare of the population.

Agency Responsiblen Inter Agency Committee on Environmental

Health(IACEH-EO 489) resolve issues that need several agencies interventions/actions– Composed of 7 Sectors

§ Solid Waste § Water § Air § Toxic and Hazardous Substances§ Occupational Health § Food Safety § Sanitation

n Inter Agency Committee on Environmental Health(IACEH-EO 489) resolve issues that need several agencies interventions/actions– Composed of 7 Sectors

§ Solid Waste § Water § Air § Toxic and Hazardous Substances§ Occupational Health § Food Safety § Sanitation

Agency Responsiblen IACEH Composition

– Chair: DOH– Co-Chair: DENR– Members: DOLE, DTI, DILG, DOST, DPWH,

NEDA, DOE, DA, DepEd, and PIA n RIACEH (17 CHDs/Regions)n NEHAP (same framework of IACEH)

n IACEH Composition– Chair: DOH– Co-Chair: DENR– Members: DOLE, DTI, DILG, DOST, DPWH,

NEDA, DOE, DA, DepEd, and PIA n RIACEH (17 CHDs/Regions)n NEHAP (same framework of IACEH)

Laws and Policiesn Republic Act 6969 “An Act to Control Toxic

Substances & Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes”

– DAO NO. 29 “Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 6969”

§ Regulate, restrict or prohibit the importation, manufacture, processing, sale, distribution, use and disposal of chemical substances and mixtures that present unreasonable risk and/or injury to health or the environment.

n Republic Act 6969 “An Act to Control Toxic Substances & Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes”

– DAO NO. 29 “Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 6969”

§ Regulate, restrict or prohibit the importation, manufacture, processing, sale, distribution, use and disposal of chemical substances and mixtures that present unreasonable risk and/or injury to health or the environment.

Laws and Policiesn DAO NO. 29 (IRR of RA 6969), Chapter IV,

Section 19 - Provides the need to compile and amend the

PCL and determine which chemical substances fromthe inventory (PICCS) should be included.

- Require information for the purpose of assessingthe potential health and environmental risks posed by the import, manufacture, transport anduse of regulated chemicals.

- Primary criteria for adding new chemicals in the prioritycontrol list (PCL) : Persistence, Bioaccumulationpotential, toxicity and hazards potential

n DAO NO. 29 (IRR of RA 6969), Chapter IV, Section 19 - Provides the need to compile and amend the

PCL and determine which chemical substances fromthe inventory (PICCS) should be included.

- Require information for the purpose of assessingthe potential health and environmental risks posed by the import, manufacture, transport anduse of regulated chemicals.

- Primary criteria for adding new chemicals in the prioritycontrol list (PCL) : Persistence, Bioaccumulationpotential, toxicity and hazards potential

Laws and Policies- Secondary criteria for adding new chemicals to PCL:exposure potential, quantity of chemicals manufacturedand used.

n DAO 2005-27 – Revised Priority Chemicals List- List of existing and new chemicals that DENR has

determined to potentially pose unreasonable risk topublic health, workplace and the environment.

- There are 48 chemicals listed on the PCL.

- Secondary criteria for adding new chemicals to PCL:exposure potential, quantity of chemicals manufacturedand used.

n DAO 2005-27 – Revised Priority Chemicals List- List of existing and new chemicals that DENR has

determined to potentially pose unreasonable risk topublic health, workplace and the environment.

- There are 48 chemicals listed on the PCL.

PRIORITY CHEMICAL LISTChemical Abstract

Services No.Philippine Inventory of Chemicals and Chemical Substances (PICCS) Name

Chemical Abstract Services (CAS)/INDEX Name

108-90-7 1,4-CHLOROBENZENE Benzene,chloro-

106-93-4 1,2-DIBROMOETHANE Ethane,1,2-dibromo

95-50-1 0-DICHLOROBENZENE Benzene,1,2-dichloro

106-46-7 1,4-DICHLOROBENZENE Benzene,1,4-dichlro-

107-06-2 1,2-DICHLOROETHANE Ethane, 1,2-dichloro-

122-66-7 1,2 DIPHENYLHYDRAZINE Hydrazobenzene

108-46-3 3-HYDROXYPHENOL 1,3-Benzenediol

7647-18-9 ANTIMONYPENTACHLORIDE

Antimony chloride

7440-38-2 ARSENIC COMPOUNDS Arsenic7440-38-2 ARSENIC COMPOUNDS Arsenic

1332-21-4 ASBESTOS* Asbestos 71-43-2 BENZENE Benzene

7440-41-7 BERYLLIUM COMPOUNDS Beryllium

7440-43-9 CADMIUM COMPOUNDS Cadmium

56-23-5 CARBON TETRACHLORIDE**

General Name CHLORINATED ETHERS

General Name CHLOROFLUORO CARBONS**

67-66-3 CHLOROFORM Trichloromethane

76-06-2 CHLOROPICRIN Methane, trichloronitro

18540-29-9 CHROMIUM COMPOUNDS Chromium

57-12-5 CYANIDE COMPOUNDS* Cyanide

64-67-5 DIETHYL SULFATE Sulfuric acid,diethyl ester

106-93-4 ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE 1,2 Dibromoethane

Laws and Policiesn DAO 2000-02 Chemical Control Order for

Asbestos– Prohibits, limit, and regulate the use, manufacture,

import, export, transport, processing, storage, possession, and wholesale of asbestos

– Required to register with DENR and secure importclearance

– Submit annual report (production and managementinformation)

n DAO 2000-02 Chemical Control Order for Asbestos– Prohibits, limit, and regulate the use, manufacture,

import, export, transport, processing, storage, possession, and wholesale of asbestos

– Required to register with DENR and secure importclearance

– Submit annual report (production and managementinformation)

Laws and Policiesn Scope/Coverage of DAO 2000-02

– Importers– Manufacturers– Transporters– Industrial Facility Owners/Operators & Contractors– Ship Builders– Waste Management Service Providers– Demolition Contractors (haulers, transporter, disposer)– Shipbreakers– Owner/Operator of a demolition or renovation activity

n Scope/Coverage of DAO 2000-02– Importers– Manufacturers– Transporters– Industrial Facility Owners/Operators & Contractors– Ship Builders– Waste Management Service Providers– Demolition Contractors (haulers, transporter, disposer)– Shipbreakers– Owner/Operator of a demolition or renovation activity

Allowable Uses of Asbestos under the Chemical Control Order (CCO) are strictly limited to the following high-density products:

• fire-proof clothing• roofing felts or related products• asbestos cement roofing• asbestos cement flat sheet• friction materials• high temperature textile products• gaskets• mechanical packing materials• high-grade electrical paper• battery separators• other high density products

Laws and PoliciesAllowable Uses of Asbestos under the Chemical Control Order (CCO) are strictly limited to the following high-density products:

• fire-proof clothing• roofing felts or related products• asbestos cement roofing• asbestos cement flat sheet• friction materials• high temperature textile products• gaskets• mechanical packing materials• high-grade electrical paper• battery separators• other high density products

n Prohibited Use of Asbestos - Manufacture of Toys- Manufacture of Pipes & Boiler Lagging- Low Density Jointing Compounds- Corrugated and Commercial Paper- Untreated Textiles- Flooring Felt and Covering- Rollboards- Specialty Paper - Other Low Density Products

n Prohibited Use of Asbestos - Manufacture of Toys- Manufacture of Pipes & Boiler Lagging- Low Density Jointing Compounds- Corrugated and Commercial Paper- Untreated Textiles- Flooring Felt and Covering- Rollboards- Specialty Paper - Other Low Density Products

Laws and Policiesn DOLE Memorandum Circular No. 02 S. 1998

Section 4: Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Processes, Activities or Operations. (a) Classified the Manufacture or Handling of

Asbestos and Other Similar Products as Hazardous Process.

n DOLE Memorandum Circular No. 02 S. 1998Section 4: Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Processes, Activities or Operations. (a) Classified the Manufacture or Handling of

Asbestos and Other Similar Products as Hazardous Process.

Laws and Policies

q DOLE Recommended OSHS for Asbestos•Exposure Limits:

Only asbestos fibers greater than 5 um in length areconsidered for the following exposure limits of the DOLE:Current permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 2 fibers/cc of airas time-weighted average (TWA) concentration over an 8hour work shift with an action level of 1 fiber/cc

The current PEL is now being reviewed by an Inter-AgencyTechnical Committee created by DOLE

q DOLE Recommended OSHS for Asbestos•Exposure Limits:

Only asbestos fibers greater than 5 um in length areconsidered for the following exposure limits of the DOLE:Current permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 2 fibers/cc of airas time-weighted average (TWA) concentration over an 8hour work shift with an action level of 1 fiber/cc

The current PEL is now being reviewed by an Inter-AgencyTechnical Committee created by DOLE

The Philippine Code of Practice for Asbestos (2008)1. Management and Control on the Use, Handling, Transport and

Disposal of Asbestos in the Workplace2. Initial Agreement Set on Total Ban of Chrysotile Asbestos on

20183. Annual Medical Surveillance and Inspections of workplaces will

be strictly implemented starting 2010-2018 and data to begathered shall be the basis for the total ban of ChrysotileAsbestos by 2018

The Philippine Code of Practice for Asbestos (2008)1. Management and Control on the Use, Handling, Transport and

Disposal of Asbestos in the Workplace2. Initial Agreement Set on Total Ban of Chrysotile Asbestos on

20183. Annual Medical Surveillance and Inspections of workplaces will

be strictly implemented starting 2010-2018 and data to begathered shall be the basis for the total ban of ChrysotileAsbestos by 2018

1) Develop and provide practical guidance & information for properdismantling, transport & disposal of Asbestos containingmaterial (ACM) for use of concerned industrial owners andrelated sector, workers, environmental authority, occupationalsafety and health professionals and the general public.

2) Support and complement the preventive and mitigation measuresto minimize if not avoid potential exposures risks and healthrelated-diseases of asbestos to workers.

3) Strengthen the enforcement of the CCO for Asbestos under DAO2000-02 of Republic Act 6969 of the Toxic Substances andHazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act; Book IV of the LaborStandards: PD 856 (Sanitation Code of the Philippines) and itsImplementing Rules and Regulations.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE (CP) FOR ASBESTOS

1) Develop and provide practical guidance & information for properdismantling, transport & disposal of Asbestos containingmaterial (ACM) for use of concerned industrial owners andrelated sector, workers, environmental authority, occupationalsafety and health professionals and the general public.

2) Support and complement the preventive and mitigation measuresto minimize if not avoid potential exposures risks and healthrelated-diseases of asbestos to workers.

3) Strengthen the enforcement of the CCO for Asbestos under DAO2000-02 of Republic Act 6969 of the Toxic Substances andHazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act; Book IV of the LaborStandards: PD 856 (Sanitation Code of the Philippines) and itsImplementing Rules and Regulations.

• Recommended General Asbestos SafetyProgram in the Workplace

• Procedures on Dismantling and Removalof Asbestos

• Procedures on Transport and Disposal ofAsbestos Waste

• Procedures on Post DismantlingActivities

CP - Areas of Concerns• Recommended General Asbestos SafetyProgram in the Workplace

• Procedures on Dismantling and Removalof Asbestos

• Procedures on Transport and Disposal ofAsbestos Waste

• Procedures on Post DismantlingActivities

Other Relevant Policies

q National Eco-Labeling Program – Seal ofGreen Choice (Philippines)

q Green Building Initiativeq Green Procurement

q National Eco-Labeling Program – Seal ofGreen Choice (Philippines)

q Green Building Initiativeq Green Procurement

Present Initiatives and Activities

Poison Control & Information Centers

UP-NPMCC EAMC-PCC

RMC-PCC

ZRHMC-PCC

BRH-PCC

EVRMC-PCC

Asbestos Information DeskAsbestos Information Desk

–– Provides information Provides information to workers on the to workers on the hazards of asbestos, hazards of asbestos, its illits ill--effects and effects and preventionprevention

–– Serves as referral Serves as referral hospital for ARD hospital for ARD

–– Provides information Provides information to workers on the to workers on the hazards of asbestos, hazards of asbestos, its illits ill--effects and effects and preventionprevention

–– Serves as referral Serves as referral hospital for ARD hospital for ARD Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP

National Program on the Elimination of National Program on the Elimination of Asbestos Related Disease (NPEAD)Asbestos Related Disease (NPEAD)

nn Dev. of Institutional Framework for NPEADDev. of Institutional Framework for NPEAD§§ formulate mandates relevant to the elimination of formulate mandates relevant to the elimination of

ARDARD§§ supervise the development, implementation and supervise the development, implementation and

evaluation of the NPEADevaluation of the NPEAD

nn Dev. of the National Asbestos ProfileDev. of the National Asbestos Profile§§ Serve as valuable instrument in the preparation of Serve as valuable instrument in the preparation of

NPEADNPEAD§§ Provides baseline information regarding the Provides baseline information regarding the

magnitude of ARD, the amount of asbestos magnitude of ARD, the amount of asbestos consumed and population at riskconsumed and population at risk

nn Dev. of Institutional Framework for NPEADDev. of Institutional Framework for NPEAD§§ formulate mandates relevant to the elimination of formulate mandates relevant to the elimination of

ARDARD§§ supervise the development, implementation and supervise the development, implementation and

evaluation of the NPEADevaluation of the NPEAD

nn Dev. of the National Asbestos ProfileDev. of the National Asbestos Profile§§ Serve as valuable instrument in the preparation of Serve as valuable instrument in the preparation of

NPEADNPEAD§§ Provides baseline information regarding the Provides baseline information regarding the

magnitude of ARD, the amount of asbestos magnitude of ARD, the amount of asbestos consumed and population at riskconsumed and population at risk

National Program on the Elimination of National Program on the Elimination of Asbestos Related Disease (NPEADAsbestos Related Disease (NPEAD))

nn Review and Dev. of Legislations, Regulations and Review and Dev. of Legislations, Regulations and Guidelines Relevant to the Elimination of ARDGuidelines Relevant to the Elimination of ARD

§§ Formulate a legal instrument and its IRR to phaseFormulate a legal instrument and its IRR to phase--out out asbestos used asbestos used

§§ Provide technical and legal guidance in the ratification of Provide technical and legal guidance in the ratification of related ILO standardsrelated ILO standards

§§ Review and recommend amendments to National Building Review and recommend amendments to National Building Code of the Philippines including local permits issued by LGU Code of the Philippines including local permits issued by LGU for the construction of infrastructuresfor the construction of infrastructures

§§ Review and recommend amendments to ECC law pertaining to Review and recommend amendments to ECC law pertaining to prescription period in filing for workprescription period in filing for work--related diseases to related diseases to provide exemptions for specific for Occ. cancers and ARDprovide exemptions for specific for Occ. cancers and ARD

nn Review and Dev. of Legislations, Regulations and Review and Dev. of Legislations, Regulations and Guidelines Relevant to the Elimination of ARDGuidelines Relevant to the Elimination of ARD

§§ Formulate a legal instrument and its IRR to phaseFormulate a legal instrument and its IRR to phase--out out asbestos used asbestos used

§§ Provide technical and legal guidance in the ratification of Provide technical and legal guidance in the ratification of related ILO standardsrelated ILO standards

§§ Review and recommend amendments to National Building Review and recommend amendments to National Building Code of the Philippines including local permits issued by LGU Code of the Philippines including local permits issued by LGU for the construction of infrastructuresfor the construction of infrastructures

§§ Review and recommend amendments to ECC law pertaining to Review and recommend amendments to ECC law pertaining to prescription period in filing for workprescription period in filing for work--related diseases to related diseases to provide exemptions for specific for Occ. cancers and ARDprovide exemptions for specific for Occ. cancers and ARD

Advocacy and Information Dissemination

Personal Protective Equipment

Hard Hat

Safety Goggles

Coverall / Overall

Apron

Safety Goggles

Face Mask

Heavy-duty Gloves

Apron

Rubber Boots

Ear Muffs

No PPE, No Work Policy

2011 Trainingn Effective X-ray Readings of Asbestos Related Diseases

for Medical Radiologists(mesothelioma/asbestosis) n Training of Safety Officers and Pollution Control Officers

on recognition of ACMn Training of occupational health nurses of the common

symptoms and signs of ARD for referral purposesn Training of Asbestos Handlers/Removers on proper

methods and procedures of dismantling asbestos materials and its final disposal (continuing activity)

n OH Module on Recognition, Management and Prevention of Lung Disease: Pneumoconiosis including ARDs (Part I)

n Effective X-ray Readings of Asbestos Related Diseases for Medical Radiologists(mesothelioma/asbestosis)

n Training of Safety Officers and Pollution Control Officers on recognition of ACM

n Training of occupational health nurses of the common symptoms and signs of ARD for referral purposes

n Training of Asbestos Handlers/Removers on proper methods and procedures of dismantling asbestos materials and its final disposal (continuing activity)

n OH Module on Recognition, Management and Prevention of Lung Disease: Pneumoconiosis including ARDs (Part I)

n Approval of the New House Bills (479 and 896) “An Act banning the Importation, Manufacture, Processing, Use and Distribution in Commerce of Asbestos and Asbestos Containing Products”.

n Industry realization of the ill-effects of continuous manufacturing and used of asbestos containing materials/products.

n Distinction of asbestos related diseases (mesothelioma and asbestosis) from the existing list of cancer cases in the Philippine Cancer Registry.

n Realization of the GOP commitment as has been written in the draft Code of Practice on Asbestos to finally ban Chrysotile Asbestos in 2018.

n Establishments of treatment facilities and landfills for the final disposal of asbestos wastes

n Approval of the New House Bills (479 and 896) “An Act banning the Importation, Manufacture, Processing, Use and Distribution in Commerce of Asbestos and Asbestos Containing Products”.

n Industry realization of the ill-effects of continuous manufacturing and used of asbestos containing materials/products.

n Distinction of asbestos related diseases (mesothelioma and asbestosis) from the existing list of cancer cases in the Philippine Cancer Registry.

n Realization of the GOP commitment as has been written in the draft Code of Practice on Asbestos to finally ban Chrysotile Asbestos in 2018.

n Establishments of treatment facilities and landfills for the final disposal of asbestos wastes

Final Target: Final Target: Asbestos Free Philippines!Asbestos Free Philippines!

Final Target: Final Target: Asbestos Free Philippines!Asbestos Free Philippines!