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= <0.05) in the eight-hour average of indoor PM10 in  "near" and "far" barangays. The monitoring results for SO2 and NO2 are below the ambient air quality standards. The results of respiratory profiling and pulmonary function testing revealed that the significant risk factors for respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function parameters are generally demographic characteristics such as sex, height and weight. However, cigarette smoking and indoor PM10 levels, which came out as significant risk factors for wheezing and the predicted forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1), respectively, reflect the environmental exposure of children inside their homes.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Child ; Air Pollutants ; Coal ; Gases ; Air Pollution, Indoor ; Coal ; Environmental Exposure ; Nitrogen Dioxide ; Risk Factors ; Smoking ; Sulfur Dioxide ; Environmental Illness ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution

Qualitative Research ; Research

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine the physico-chemical and microbiological quality of ice blocks sold in selected wet markets located in the city of Manila.

METHODS: Twenty-eight samples were collected from three markets. Microbiological quality was analyzed in terms of the presence or absence of coliforms with E. coli as indicator organism. Physico-chemical quality was determined by measuring turbidity, apparent color, pH, iron, and residual chlorine. Measurements obtained were compared with the 2007 Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW).

RESULTS: Results showed that all samples tested positive for coliforms while 25 out of the 28 samples were positive for E. coli. Mean turbidity was 2.74 ± 3.68 NTU; for both apparent color and iron tests, all samples complied with the PNSDW standard limit set; mean pH was 6.15 ± 0.64; and mean residual chlorine was 0.06 ± 0.02 mg/L. Average values of apparent color and iron comply with the PNSDW standards. Six out of 28 samples had turbidity values exceeding the standards. All samples were found to have residual chlorine levels below the standards.

CONCLUSION: Ice in markets do not comply with key 2007 PNSDW standards and findings warrant strict compliance of ice quality from manufacturers to the point of distribution to protect consumer health.

Escherichia Coli