“The indiscriminate disposal of busted or spent fluorescent lamps as ordinary trash is putting the health of waste workers and the general public at risk of exposure to mercury, an extremely toxic chemical even at low levels of exposure,” the EcoWaste Coalition said.
Also, it said local governments in Metro Manila have failed to provide proper guidelines regarding the disposal of used fluorescent lamps.
“Reckless disposal practices may cause the glass tubes to break and explode, especially during mixed waste hauling operations, instantly crushing the lamps and releasing their mercury content in vapor form. This irresponsible practice not only pollutes the environment, but also exposes waste handlers and recyclers to serious harm,” said Von Hernandez, president of the coalition.
To help stop the harmful practice, the group also launched an online publication called “The Toxic Silence of the Lamps,” which contains over 100 photos of current lamp waste disposal practices in Metro Manila’s 17 local government units.
Moreover, the group asks government to order manufacturers to provide the public necessary information toxic materials.
“The results of our investigation should push the government into fast-tracking an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system that will make the lighting industry responsible for the management of busted or spent lamps,” said Thony Dizon, Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition’s
Project Protect.
As per a government-published “Primer on Mercury-Containing Lamp Waste Management,” tubular fluorescent lamps can contain 3 to 50 milligrams of mercury and compact fluorescent lamps can contain 1 to 25 milligrams of mercury.
According to the same source, “mercury and its compounds are highly toxic,” stressing that “even low-level exposure to mercury has caused serious health effects, including neurological damage, reproductive system damage, behavioral problems and learning
disabilities.” — Patricia Denise Chiu /LBG, GMA News
