Perceived Effects of Lead Recycling to Selected Communities in Bulacan, Philippines

Abstract

The province of Bulacan, Philippines is considered as the biggest producer of used lead acid battery (ULAB) in the country and in Southeast Asia. But with the boom of the ULAB industry, a continued concern on the industry’s effect to human health and the environment intensifies. The study was conducted in two municipalities of Bulacan, Philippines to determine the perception of the respondents on the effects of lead recycling to their health and their community. These two areas are where ULAB industry is concentrated. Data were gathered from primary and secondary sources. Interview schedule using a structured interview guide and key informant interview were used. The respondents believed that there are toxic and hazardous substances used in lead recycling that contributed to their health problems and environmental pollution. Identified pathways of pollution include air, soil and water. But while they are aware of the health and environmental risks this industry brings, they also recognized its economic contribution to their families and their respective communities. The complexity of the problem continues to pose a challenge that needs to be addressed soon to balance economic prosperity and the communities’ welfare.

Elemental distribution and source analysis of atmospheric aerosols from Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines

“…Meycauayan city, Bulacan is about nineteen (19) kilometers north of Manila and about 22 km south of Malolos city, the capital city of the province of Bulacan (between 14.738° and 14.755° north and between 120.943° and 120.995° east) [ 10 ]. It is bounded by the town of Marilao to the north, Valenzuela City to the south, Caloocan City to the east and the town of Obando to the west.…”

“…Major industries include fine jewelry making, leather products manufacturing and commercial establishments [ 11 ]. The province of Bulacan is also considered the biggest producer of used lead acid battery (ULAB) [ 10 ]. The neighboring town, Marilao, houses a lead smelting plant owned by the largest lead battery recycler in the country as well as numerous unregulated ULAB plants [ 10 , 12 ].…”

Impact of Provincial Livestock Program on Mountain Province Livelihoods: Review

“…Furthermore, Vargas (2014) meticulously outlined the affirmative implications of microfinance programs, illustrating how they inscribe pathways toward economic resilience and empowerment. Likewise, Teves (2018) underscored the transformative potential of community-driven livelihood projects, delineating a narrative where they act as catalysts for income generation, elevate employment rates, and carve out pathways out of poverty's quagmire.…”

Integrated Adaptation Management Approach toward Sustained Fish Production by Fish Farmers of Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando River System

“…and chemical discharges from industries; solid wastes dumped into the rivers from feeding drainage ditches; and silt, wastes, oil and other contaminants discharged as part of general urban storm runoff in the area (BSI 2008;Mendoza et al 2012). While the people in MMO are aware of the extent of pollution in the rivers system, they also recognized the economic contributions to their communities by the industries that cause the pollution (Visco et al 2013).…”