Sa pagdiriwang ng World Health Day, muling binigyang-diin ng environmental NGO na BAN Toxics ang kahalagahan ng agarang pagtugon sa problema ng climate change at plastic pollution sa bansa.
Ayon kay Jam Lorenzo, BAN Toxics Policy Development and Research Officer, kaakibat ng nakakabahalang heat index levels sa bansa, ang mas malala ring health risks na dulot ng plastic pollution gaya ng cancer, endocrine disruption, at cognitive impairments.
“A warming climate diminishes the properties of plastics, accelerates their aging, heightens the risk of microplastics, and the release of hazardous substances,” ani Jam Lorenzo.
Tinukoy rin nito ang dalang panganib ng microplastics gaya ng metabolic disorders, neurotoxicity, at pati na ang developmental toxicity.
Dahil dito, nanawagan ang grupo sa policymakers na iprayoridad ang pagpapatupad ng comprehensive national ban sa single-use plastics at iba pang non-essential at problematic plastic products.
“Given the current limitations of our waste management capacity, which cannot handle the plastic waste crisis effectively, there is an urgent need to address this issue to prevent further profound harms to human health and the environment.” | ulat ni Merry Ann Bastasa
