Indoor air quality monitoring of communities surrounding a coal-fired power plant in Pagbilao, Quezon

OBJECTIVES: The study evaluated the quality of indoor air in households surrounding a coal-fired power plant in Pagbilao, Quezon and its impact to the residents in these communities.  METHODS: The researchers used a quantitative approach and gathered both primary and secondary data from the Province of Quezon, Municipalities of Pagbilao and Padre Burgos and 12 other barangays from January to June 2008. A household survey was conducted to obtain the health and socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. Likewise, indoor air quality surveys, respiratory health profiling and pulmonary function tests were done. Indoor air quality monitoring measured eight hour levels of particulate matter -10 (PM10) in "near" and "far" barangays and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in two primary impact barangays as indicated in the environmental impact assessment of the power plant.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Results showed that there is no significant difference (p=

Development of technical guidelines for health assessment and monitoring in the informal mining, transport, and agricultural sectors

OBJECTIVES: To (1) draft a comprehensive health program relevant to workers in the informal sector; (2) develop specific guidelines for the establishment of appropriate health services for informal workers, including recommended surveillance systems; and (3) formulate a mechanism for the full coverage of health insurance for informal workers integrated through the National Health Insurance system. METHODS: Document reviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), informal surveys were conducted. The various agencies were involved from the study proposal to the final review through consultative meetings. RESULTS: The health program for the informal sector (IS) is inadequate. Currently, the various health services of the government and its regulatory functions are not integrated to address the needs of the IS. CONCLUSION: Hazard identification, evaluation and control with the appropriate IEC campaign aimed at behavioral modification for the informal sector and national health/social insurance service providers are the recommended steps. Tracking, monitoring and surveillance systems need to be established through local government units (LGUs), with the support of the workers' associations/cooperatives.