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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Water wells in 8 towns, 1 city in Batangas contaminated with arsenic

Water wells in 8 towns, 1 city in Batangas contaminated with arsenic

Published Jun 7, 2022 02:36 pm

BATANGAS CITY, Batangas -- The Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force on Arsenic-Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) revealed that water wells in eight towns and one city in the province have tested positive for arsenic as reported during the meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in this city recently.

In her report, Batangas Medical Center Toxicology Center chief and also head of the Provincial IATF Dr. Rhodora Reyes said the towns positive for arsenic are Laurel, Balete, San Nicolas, Mataas ng Kahoy, Alitagtag, Sta. Teresita, Lemery, Taal and Tanauan City.

Batangas Capitol Public Information Office reported that the presence of arsenic in the water wells was previously noticed after the eruption of Taal Volcano on January 12, 2020. The eruption affected the said nine towns.

Dr. Reyes explained during the meeting that arsenic is a chemical that is carcinogenic or can cause cancer and adverse effects on human skin and in unborn babies. She added it can affect the body by drinking the water contaminated by arsenic.

According to Wikipedia, arsenic occurs in many minerals, usually in combination with sulfur and metals, but also as a pure elemental crystal. Arsenic is a metalloid.

The level of arsenic in the said towns is higher than the standard or average level which is 10 parts per billion (PBB), Reyes explained.

The task force is still on alert and conducting monitoring of the arsenic level in the nearby towns of the affected areas.

The Batangas- PDRRMO has allocated some P3.5 million taken from the office’s trust fund in support of the ongoing water testing.

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