1.Health risk assessment of heavy metals in Manila catfish (Arius dispar) from Laguna Lake.
Acta Medica Philippina 2014;48(1):22-27
OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to provide an assessment of the risks to human health associated with the exposure to heavy metal bioaccumulation in Manila Catfish (Arius dispar) from Laguna Lake.
METHODS: Manila Catfish (common name Kanduli) samples were collected in eight sampling stations in three major areas of the lake during the dry and wet seasons. Dry season samples were collected from May to June 2010 and wet season samples from September to November 2010. Coordinates of sampling locations were recorded using Global Positioning System to facilitate re-sampling activities and ensured that subsequent samples for the wet season were collected in the area as that of the wet season samples. Heavy metals analyses for cadmium, lead, arsenic, and chromium were conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and Mercury Analyzer for mercury. Estimates of health risks associated with Kanduli consumption were estimated based on non-carcinogenic health effects of heavy metals.
RESULTS: Non-carcinogenic Health Quotient (NHQ) values of the five heavy metals showed that lead is the most significant pollutant of concern in terms of adverse health effects from risks associated with Kanduli consumption from the lake.
CONCLUSION: From the point of view of disease prevention and control, long term consumption of Kanduli from Laguna Lake is expected to increase health risk due to lead contamination.
.humans ; Arsenic ; Mercury ; Cadmium ; Lakes ; Chromium ; Catfishes ; Seasons ; Geographic Information Systems ; Metals, Heavy ; Spectrophotometry, Atomic
2.Carcinogenic health risk of arsenic in five commercially important fish from Laguna de Bay, Philippines.
Molina Victorio B. ; Kada Ryohei
Acta Medica Philippina 2014;48(3):12-19
OBJECTIVE: This paper examines the potential carcinogenic risk to human health associated with arsenic levels in five commercially important fish products from Laguna de Bay.
METHODS: Fish samples were collected in eight sampling stations in three major areas of the lake during the dry and wet seasons. Coordinates of sampling locations were recorded using Global Positioning System and plotted in Geographic Information System digital maps. Analysis of arsenic was conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.
RESULTS: The highest life time cancer risk for arsenic was computed for tilapia from sampling station 2B during the dry season with risk value of 8.51x10-5 or about 85 excess cancer cases per 1,000,000 populations. Calculated cancer risks showed seasonal variations that were distinct among the five fish species. Excess life time cancer risks associated with fish consumption during dry season showed the following order of magnitude: Tilapia > Bighead carp > Kanduli >Bangus > Dalag. For wet season, the order of magnitude was: Bighead carp > Bangus > Kanduli >Tilapia > Dalag. Correlation analyses showed that fish mean standard size do not have significant effect on the levels of arsenic in fish samples for both dry and wet seasons.
CONCLUSION: This study concludes from the point of view of disease prevention that long-term consumption of five commercially important fish species from Laguna de Bay may cause significant carcinogenic health risk.
Animal ; Lakes ; Seasons ; Arsenic ; Tilapia ; Geographic Information Systems ; Bays ; Spectrophotometry, Atomic ; Fish Products ; Carcinogens ; Neoplasms ; Carps
3.Cadmium concentration in brown and polished rice from selected farms in Barangay Real, Calamba City and its potential non-cancer health risk in adult population.
Fontanilla Cyreene S. ; Quizon Romeo R. ; Molina Victorio B. ; Fadrilan-Camacho Vivien Fe F. ; Palatino Maylin C. ; Cuevas Virginia C.
Acta Medica Philippina 2015;49(3):27-31
OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the cadmium (Cd) concentration in brown and polished rice collected from the 9 farms in Barangay Real, Calamba City. This study also assessed the non-cancer health risk to adults (?20 years old) of long-term consumption of rice with Cd using the non-cancer hazard quotient (NHQ).
METHODS: Rice grains with hull were collected in November-December 2013. Both rice types were analyzed for Cd using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GFAAS). The NHQ was calculated by dividing the estimated daily intake of Cd via rice consumption by the oral reference dose (RfD) for Cd.
RESULTS: Mean Cd concentrations in brown and polished rice collected from the 9 farms in Barangay Real ranged from 0.0062 to 0.0725 mg/kg and 0.0047 to 0.0778 mg/kg, respectively. The NHQ values of Cd in both rice types were less than 1.0 for adults (?20 years old).
CONCLUSION: Cd concentrations in brown and polished rice from the 9 farms did not exceed the 0.4 mg/kg maximum allowable Cd concentration in rice set by FAO/WHO. Since the NHQ did not exceed 1.0, long-term exposure to Cd through consumption of brown and polished rice from these farms is unlikely to cause non-cancer health effects in adults (?20 years old). It is unlikely for adults to develop kidney diseases such as tubular proteinuria, decreased glomerular filtration rates, and itai-itai disease.
Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Oryza ; Cadmium ; Neoplasms
4.Development of water safety plan models for water refilling stations in the Philippines.
Molina Victorio B. ; Quizon Romeo R. ; Fadrilan-Camacho Vivien Fe F. ; Lee-Delos Reyes Catherine ; Deauna Jovito P. ; Agosto Hygeia C. ; Asuncion Pio Justin V. ; Riego de Dios Joselito M. ; Anarna Maria Sonabel S. ; Magtibay Bonifacio B.
Acta Medica Philippina 2016;50(3):166-169
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the project is to develop water safety plan (WSP) guidelines specific for water refilling station (WRS) operators. The guidelines will serve as model for future formulation of WSP among WRS across the country.
METHODS: A criteria was developed for selecting WRS. Site visits were initially done along with the selection of eight (8) water refilling stations from pre-identified areas across the country. The operators of the selected WRS together wih their respective local sanitary inspectors underwent a workshop where they were trained and guided on the step-by-step process of devising a WSP. Coaching and mentoring was then conducted for the improvement of the draft WSPs. A guideline manual on how to develop WSPs for WRS was drafted to serve as reference for other WRS in the country.
RESULTS: The study developed a WSP model specifically made for WRS setting. Eight (8) final drafts of WSP were also accomplished. WRS operators and local sanitary inspectors were trained on how to develop WSP which will support and facilitate appropriate implementation of these functional WSPs.
CONCLUSION: The formulation of WSPs among WRS ensures delivery of safe drinking-water among its consumers. It serves as an initial step in realizing the vision of DOH of institutionalizing WSPs among all water utilities in the country. The guidelines developed will be a useful tool for other WRS in the country for preparing their own WSPs.
Human ; Male ; Female ; Diarrhea ; Gastroenteritis ; Safety ; Models, Theoretical ; Motor Vehicles ; Water ; Water Supply ; Risk Management
5.Geographic information system-based spatial modelling of soil-transmitted Helminth Infections among preschool-aged children in Masbate, Philippines
Sarah Joy A. Acepcion ; Vicente Y. Belizario Jr ; Marian Fe Theresa C. Lomboy ; Bonifacio B. Magtibay ; Victorio B. Molina
Acta Medica Philippina 2022;56(13):55-67
Objectives:
Since the effectiveness of the Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) program as a scaling-up approach in lowering the rates of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections has not yet been locally explored, this study aimed to (1) describe the association between environmental determinants and STH cumulative prevalence, and (2) to predict the 2020 STH cumulative prevalence.
Methods:
A generalized linear regression (GLR) model was used to determine the association of 2014–2015 environmental determinants and observed 2015 STH cumulative prevalence, while a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model was used to produce predicted 2020 STH cumulative prevalence.
Results:
ArcGIS’ GLR tool with R2 of 63% found that statistically significant environmental determinants include distance near to water bodies, forest land use, access to sanitary toilet, level one water source, and ZOD status, while the ArcGIS’ GWR tool found that barangays, Cabangcalan, Matalangtalang, Talabaan, and Talib in Aroroy hypothetically met the national target below 30% for 2020 STH cumulative prevalence.
Conclusion
This study showed that barangays with a moderately low percentage of area with freshwater bodies, a moderately high percentage of households with sanitary toilet and level one water source, and a 100% status of ZOD have lower rates of STH cumulative prevalence in preschool-aged children in the selected municipalities in Masbate.
Mass Drug Administration
;
Hygiene
;
Sanitation
;
Geographic Information Systems
6.Accelerating the development of healthy and climate-smart hospitals in the Southeast Asian Region
Marian Fe Theresa C. Lomboy-Capino ; Ramon D. San Pascual ; Vivien Fe F. Fadrilan-Camacho ; Rose Abigail E. Duarte ; Crystal Amiel M. Estrada ; Paul Michael R. Hernandez ; Gayline F. Manalang Jr. ; Romeo R. Quizon ; Adrian Paul M. Agravante ; May B. Bas ; Jhon Rey C. Bayatan ; Hilda Antonia A. Nique ; Chester C. Ramos ; Geneva Carla C. Sichico ; Victorio B. Molina
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2024;28(2):67-71
The Sixth Environmental and Occupational Health Forum, conducted virtually on November 23 to 24, 2023, focused on "Accelerating
the Development of Healthy and climate-smart Hospitals in the Southeast Asian Region." This forum, a collaborative effort of the
University of the Philippines Manila and Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia, aimed to explore and exchange strategies,
challenges, and innovative practices for integrating environmental sustainability in healthcare settings across Southeast Asia. The
event gathered healthcare professionals, policymakers, and environmental experts to discuss the transformation of hospitals into
health and climate-smart institutions. Keynote speakers from various countries presented case studies and research findings,
emphasizing the need for holistic approaches that include policy development, stakeholder engagement, and continuous education.
Significant outcomes highlighted were the identification of effective policies for sustainable hospitals, understanding the impact of
healthcare facilities on climate change, and the necessity for political acumen in promoting environmental stewardship in healthcare.
The forum concluded with a consensus on the critical need for ongoing collaboration and innovation in environmental and
occupational health, underscoring the importance of transforming healthcare facilities into entities that prioritize both patient care and
planetary health.
Delivery of Health Care
;
Occupational Health
7.Partnership for health development through the field practice.
Guevarra Jonathan P. ; Oidem Maribel G. ; Estrada Josue Antonio G. ; Bertuso Arlene G. ; Borja Maridel P. ; Bullecer Ernani R. ; de Guzman Teresita S. ; Leonardo Lydia R. ; Molina Victorio B. ; Yanga-Mabunga Ma. Susan T. ; Castillo Eleonor C. ; Hernandez Paul Michael R. ; Ignacio Ma. Socorro E. ; Javier Richard S. ; Pinlac Paul Adrian V. ; Roxas Evalyn A.
Acta Medica Philippina 2014;48(3):79-83
This article describes the partnership between the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila and the province of Laguna in the context of implementation of the field practice course. This partnership paved the way for the development and implementation of projects in seven field practice sites. Projects concentrated mainly on improving quality of data and health information system, development of educational materials, and addressing health problems such as tuberculosis, hypertension and rabies. After the implementation of the various activities, there is a need for both parties (the College of Public Health and the Provincial Health Office of Laguna) to monitor and evaluate if projects have been sustained. Moreover, successful projects must also be fully documented which can serve as models for other areas in the province of Laguna.
Human ; Rabies ; Health Information Systems ; Public Health ; Tuberculosis ; Quality Improvement ; Universities ; Teaching Materials ; Hypertension
8.Environmental enteric dysfunction, soil transmitted helminthiasis and stunting among 36- to 59-month-old children in Quezon Province, Philippines
Angelina R. Bustos ; Carmelita M. Rebancos ; Corazon VC. Barba ; Victorio B. Molina ; Merlyne M. Paunlagui ; Nancy A. Tandang
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2021;27(No.2):221-231
Introduction: Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is relevant in public health
as it is a potential cause of child stunting. In the Philippines, stunting affects 33.4%
of children in 2015. As of date, no local studies on EED exist. This study primarily
aimed to determine the prevalence of EED, soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and
stunting; and their relationships. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted
among 120 children aged 36-59 months old in Quezon Province, Philippines. EED
was assessed via glucose hydrogen breath test with a cut-off of >20 ppm over
baseline by 90 minutes suggestive of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a
biomarker of EED. Kato Katz Technique was used to determine STH. Stunting was
determined using the 2006 World Health Organization Child Growth Standards.
Descriptive and correlation analyses of data were done at 10% level of significance.
The study received approval from the National Ethics Committee of PCHRD-DOST,
Philippines. Results: Data on expired hydrogen level of <20ppm were documented.
The prevalence of STH among children were 38.1% for Ascaris lumbricodes, 15.3%
for Trichuris trichiura, and 1.7% for hookworm infections. A high rate of stunting at
40.0% was observed. There was a significant positive association between stunting
and the presence of Ascaris (p=0.01). Conclusion: There was no case of EED
detected in the study. The severity of stunting was high at 40.0%. Among the STH,
the prevalence of 38.1% children having Ascaris lumbricodes was alarming in terms
of morbidity control. Nutrition interventions including WASH practices and the use
of anthelminthic drugs need to be intensified to address stunting and STH.
9.A look at an urban tertiary hospital's indoor air pollutants using source apportionment of PM₂.₅
Rose Abigail D. Enoveso ; Melliza T. Cruz ; Marian Fe Theresa C. Lomboy ; Godofreda V. Dalmacion ; Romeo R. Quizon ; Victorio B. Molina ; Emmanuel S. Baja
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2020;24(1):18-26
Background:
Ironically, the hospital which is believed to be a healthy and safe place can be dangerous to health. Pollutants such as particulate matter 2.5 microns (PM₂.₅) can be present in hospital indoor air and may adversely affect the health of the hospital occupants.
Objective:
Possible sources of indoor PM₂.₅ in an urban tertiary care hospital in the Philippines are identified and apportioned in this study.
Methods:
PM₂.₅ measurements were conducted in two naturally ventilated wards (NVWs), two mechanically ventilated wards (MVWs), and a roof deck near the hospital. Mass concentrations with analytical uncertainties of thirteen elements (Al, Na, S, Si, Cl, K, Ca, V, Fe, Zn, Br, Hg, Pb) from PM₂.₅ measurements were utilized with Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) receptor model to identify and apportion possible sources of indoor PM₂.₅.
Results:
In NVWs and MVWs, four types of sources were identified including sodium and chlorine sources, crustal emissions, anthropogenic sulfur sources, and road dust. Cleaning agents used in the hospital were identified as an anthropogenic indoor source of sodium while the other factors mainly came from outdoor sources.
Conclusion
The contribution of anthropogenic outdoor pollutants such as road dust and sulfur sources to indoor PM₂.₅ are highlighted in the study. The types of both indoor and outdoor sources of indoor PM₂.₅ can be influenced by the type of ventilation.
Respiration, Artificial
;
Air Pollution, Indoor
10.Challenges and opportunities in environmental and occupational health: Highlights of the First National Environmental and Occupational Health Forum
Marian Fe Theresa C. LOMBOY ; Romeo R. QUIZON ; Katherine Mae M. DECENA ; Rose Abigail D. ENOVESO ; Vivien Fe F. FADRILAN-CAMACHO ; Victorio B. MOLINA ; Ruby D. TAMBILOC ; Jem Erika A. NIQUE ; Chester C. RAMOS
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2019;23(2):47-53
Environmental and occupational health are interconnected disciplines of public health that are concerned in maintaining a symbiotic relationship between the ecosystem and humans. This relationship is under threat by the continuous and alarming increase of the Earth's temperature causing climate change that impacts not just health but also the economy and the safety of the population. The First National Environmental and Occupational Health Forum was organized by the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila to address and discuss the complex issues that the Philippines is currently experiencing when it comes to environmental and occupational health by providing a space where stakeholders from different sectors can actively participate in mapping out challenges and opportunities. The organizer's long-term vision is to catalyze and build a network of collaboration that is geared towards the improvement of health and safety in the workplace that involves mitigating the effects of climate change. The discussions in the forum gave a comprehensive insight into the different challenges we face for being one of the most vulnerable countries to natural disasters: how this affects health, workplace, and environment. These challenges created new opportunities for the country to build resilience and formulate adaptive strategies to decrease the vulnerability of the population especially the workforce who are constantly exposed to different hazards that are exacerbated by changes in the environment.
Climate Change ; One Health ; Agriculture