(Journal Online) The fourth week of June is celebrated as the National Poison Prevention Week as declared by Presidential Proclamation No. 1777 s. 2009 as an effort to raise awareness on the preventive aspects of poisoning prevention at home, school, work and the general environment.[1]
The study aimed to assess the availability of mercury-free alternatives in the Philippine market in view of the country’s commitments of phasing out mercury-containing products under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.[2]
The press briefing was joined by Jam Lorenzo, BAN Toxics’ Policy and Research Associate, and Geri-Geronimo Sañez, Chief of the Hazardous Waste Management Section of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), with the special participation of Elena Lymberidi of the Zero Mercury Working Group. The event was also attended by community women and BT Patrollers.
Lorenzo discussed the highlights of the mercury-free alternatives study, while Sañez presented a short overview of mercury and its health impacts as well as the Philippines’ commitments to the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Funded by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), the study presented trade data obtained from relevant government agencies, as well as the results of monitoring major e-commerce platforms. The results of the study are validated by cross-referencing relevant documents and conducting a validation workshop involving multiple government agencies… Read More
