UM Panabo College

Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education

P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

Big Picture

Week 8-9: Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO): At the end of the unit, you are expected to

a. Identify the environmental health and toxicology;

b. Explain the air and water pollution; and
c. Identify other environmental problems and its policies.

Big Picture in Focus: ULOa. Identify the environmental health and toxicology

Metalanguage

In this section, the most essential terms relevant to the study of environmental health and
toxicology and to demonstrate ULOa will be operationally defined to establish a common frame of
reference as to how the texts work in your chosen field or career. You will encounter these terms
as we go through the study of community. Please refer to these definitions in case you will
encounter difficulty in the in understanding educational concepts.

Please proceed immediately to the ―Essential Knowledge‖ part since the first lesson is also
definition of essential terms.

Essential Knowledge

Environmental health focuses on disease-causing environmental factors including

elements of the natural, social, cultural and technological worlds in which we live. The World
Health Organization (WHO) reports that environmental factors are responsible for 24 percent of all
global disease burden and 23 percent of premature mortality. Among children between the ages of
10 and 14, deaths due to environmental factors can be as high as 36%. Figure 24 shows some
environmental risk factors, as well as the media we encounter them through.

Figure 24. Major sources of environmental health risks (Adapted from Cunningham, 2020)
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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

Your body is, in ecological words, an ecosystem. Among the approximately 100 trillion
cells that make up each of us, just approximately 10 per cent are human. The other species include
bacteria, fungi, protozoans, arthropods, and some other. Ideally the different species in this
dynamic system maintain a harmonious equilibrium. Beneficial organisms help control those
which are harmful. The health problem shouldn't be trying to kill all those other animals
absolutely, we couldn't survive without them. We ought then to find ways to live in harmony with
our world and our fellow travelers.
While there are many worries regarding pollution, chemical toxins, emerging diseases and
other risks to health, we should take a moment to consider the tremendous progress we have made
in preventing many terrible diseases in the last hundred years. Epidemics which were minimized or
removed after millions of people were killed. In 1977 Smallpox was wiped out entirely. Polio has
been removed nearly everywhere in the world except in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Laos and
Madagascar for a few areas.

Figure 25. Some recent outbreaks of highly lethal infectious diseases. Why are supercontagious
organisms emerging in so many different places? (Adapted from Cunningham, 2020)

A broad variety of human-afflicted pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protozoa,

parasitic worms, and flukes. The great influenza pandemic of 1918 was the greatest loss of life
from a human disease in a single year. Epidemiologists now believe that at least one-third of all
human lives were contaminated at the time and that between 50 and 100 million died. Since
months businesses, colleges, churches, sports and entertainment activities have been shut down.
Influenza is caused by a family of viruses that mutate rapidly and move from wild and domestic
animals to humans, making control of this disease very difficult. Every year, flu epidemics
continue to spread around the globe, but none have been as devastating as the 1918 strain so far.
Malaria is one of the remaining infectious diseases with the most prevalence. About 500
million new cases of this disease arise each year, and about 1 million people die from it. The area
contaminated with this disease is growing as global climate change enables the migration of
mosquito vectors to new territories. The easy provision of insecticide-treated bed nets and
antimalarial pills worth a few dollars could prevent tens of millions of cases of this devastating
disease each year.
Emerging diseases are those that have not been identified previously, or have been
missing for at least 20 years. Throughout recent years, a growing number of these epidemics have
arisen as the global population has expanded and become even more interconnected. West Africa 's
2014 Ebola outbreak shows how quickly infectious diseases can spread, and the risks of weak

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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

oversight. Ebola is a hemorrhagic fever resulting from a filovirus. This causes high fever and
diarrhea followed by sudden bleeding. For apes, monkeys and humans it is extremely lethal. 90 per
cent of people died in several human outbreaks. Most outbreaks are likely to begin with someone
touching an animal's blood or meat killed for "bushmeat," particularly monkeys and bats, both of
which can harbor the Ebola virus. In urban areas, bushmeat is increasingly in demand as a
delicacy, and the virus can spread by killing, butchering, and carcass handling. It spreads, then,
from person to person. Faster road and air travel allow for the rapid transmission of disease.

Figure 26. Health workers carry the body of a woman they suspect died from the Ebola virus in
Monrovia in 2014 (https://www.wbur.org/commonhealth/2018/12/13/new-portable-diagnostic-
test-for-ebola-and-malaria-has-big-public-health-implications)
Toxins means poisonous. Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects on an organism or
system from environmental causes. This involves water, drug and diet chemicals, as well as
physical factors such as ionizing radiation, UV light, and electromagnetic powers. Toxicologists
are also concerned with the movement and fate of poisons in the climate, pathways, body entry,
and the consequences of such agents being exposed to it. Toxic substances damage or destroy
living organisms because they react to disrupt metabolic functions with cellular components. Also,
at highly diluted concentrations these compounds can be harmful.
An allergen is any material (antigen), most commonly ingested or inhaled, that the
immune system identifies and induces an allergic reaction. The common allergens are dust, pollen
and pet dander, but something can be allergic. Many humans mount major responses to
immunoglobulin E (IgE), is an antibody class only as a defense against parasite infections. Some
individuals therefore mount an IgE response to specific antigens of the environment.
Formaldehyde is an example of a compound that is commonly used and is a strong
immune system sensitizer. It is allergic directly, which can cause reactions to certain substances.
Formaldehyde concentrations in indoor air can be thousands of times higher than in natural
outdoor air, and are commonly used in plastics, wood products, insulation, glue, and fabrics.
Some people suffer from what is called Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). It is a term for a
disorder that is believed to be caused by being in an enclosed space house, or any kind. This is
ascribed to low air quality indoors. The exact cause is unknown though. Low indoor air quality can
be found in around 30% new and remodeled houses, according to the Consumer Product Safety
Commission. Symptoms of SBS can affect your skin, your breathing and your neurological
system. You can diagnose yourself with a cold or flu by accident. Possible signs include: irritated
throat, respiratory problems, being close in the chest, runny back, allergy-like symptoms for
example sneezing, feels pain in the nose, rashes of dry, itchy skin, fatigue, irritability, nausea, body
aches, fever, and chills.
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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

Neurotoxin, a substance which alters nervous system structure or function. It is estimated

that more than 1,000 chemicals have neurotoxic effects in animals. The drugs include a wide range
of natural and human chemical compounds, ranging from snake venom and pesticides to ethyl
alcohol, heroin and cocaine. Most neurotoxins come from outside, and enter the body from
environmental sources. Some, however, are endogenous, are made, and are present inside the
body. Sources of endogenous neurotoxins include the nitric oxide and glutamate neurotransmitters.
While both are essential for cell communication in the nervous system, at high concentrations, they
can become toxic to neurons.
Mutagen is anything which causes a mutation (a change in cell DNA). Changes in DNA
caused by mutagens can destroy cells and cause some illnesses, such as cancer. Mutagens include,
for example, toxic contaminants, x-rays, ultraviolet radiation and other chemicals. Mutagens
agents that damage DNA can also damage the deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs), which are
used to replicate DNA through DNA polymerases. Mutations are formed if the nucleotides which
are damaged are improperly incorporated into DNA. Conversely, mutagens can inhibit DNA repair
as observed in the mismatch repair pathway for the action of cadmium. Most mutagens are
endogenous agents present in the cell under normal physiological conditions and include reactive
oxygen species as well as alkylating agents. Mutagens are also found in the environment, like
sunlight and a host of chemicals that can be absorbed in the foods we consume or the air we
breathe. Mutagens that encourage cancer grow are known as carcinogens.
Teratogen is any agent capable of disrupting embryo or fetus growth. Teratogens can
cause childhood birth defects. Or a teratogen can directly halt pregnancy. The teratogens groups
include radiation, parental, chemical, and drug infections. Drugs considered to act as teratogens
include, but are not limited to, ACE inhibitors such as benazepril (brand name: lotensin), captopril
(Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil), lisinopril and
hydrochlorothiazide (Zestoretic, Prinzide), quinapril (Accupril), and ramipril (Altace); acne drug
isotretinoin (Accutane, Retin-A); alcohol, whether consumed chronically or in binges; androgens
(male hormones); antibiotics tetracycline (Achromycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin), and
streptomycin; blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin); seizures, including phenytoin
(Dilantin), valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote, Valprotate), trimethadione (Tridione), and etc.
Clearly, women who are pregnant, or who intend to get pregnant should never use alcohol and
illicit or unwanted drugs. Often, however, a drug needed for health is also a teratogen: thyroid
drug, blood thinners and lithium are only a few examples. For such cases, female patients will
work closely with their doctors to assess whether alternative treatment before and during
pregnancy is feasible. For certain cases the risk of birth defects is restricted to a certain portion of
the pregnancy, and after that time has passed medication may be started again. After the baby's
birth other drugs can be restarted safely.
Any product or agent causing cancer is a carcinogen. Sometimes, but not always,
carcinogens are mutagens or teratogens too. Carcinogenic agents can induce cancer by altering cell
metabolism or directly modifying DNA in cells, which interferes with normal biological processes.
Aflatoxin B1, developed by the Aspergillus flavus fungus which grows on stored grains, nuts, and
peanut butter, is an example of a potent, naturally occurring microbial cancer. Cooking high-
temperature protein-rich foods, such as broiling or barbecuing meats, can lead to the formation of
several potent carcinogens similar to those found in cigarette smoke (i.e., benzo[a]pyrene). Pre-
cooking meats in a microwave oven for 2-3 minutes before broiling can help reduce the formation
of these carcinogens.

Self-Help: You can also refer to the sources below to help you further understand
the lesson:

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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

*Bueno, D. (2019). Environmental science. Mandaluyong City: Book Atbp.

Publishing Corp. ISBN: 978-621-409-112-6

*Cunningham, W. & Cunningham, M. A. (2020). Principles of environmental

science: inquiry and applications. New York: McGraw-Hill Education. 9th
edition.

*Enger, E. & Smith, B. (2019). Environmental Science: a study of interrelationships.

New York: McGraw Hill Education. 15th edition.

*Miller, G. & Spoolman, S. (2019). Environmental science. Australia: Cengage

Learning, Inc. ISBN: 978-1-337-61275-3

Let’s Check

Activity 1. Now that you know the most essential terms in the study of environmental conservation in
forests, grasslands, parks and natural preserves. Let us try to check your understanding of these terms. In
the space provided, write the term/s being asked in the following statements:

1. It can also be found in the environment, like sunlight and a host of

chemicals that can be absorbed in the foods we consume or the air we breathe.

2. Aflatoxin B1, developed by this fungus which grows on stored

grains, nuts, and peanut butter, is an example of a potent, naturally occurring microbial cancer.

3. It is a hemorrhagic fever resulting from a filovirus.

4. It is one of the remaining infectious diseases with the most

prevalence. About 500 million new cases of this disease arise each year, and about 1 million
people die from it.

5. What highly lethal infectious disease on 2004 was in California?

Let’s Analyze

Activity 1. Getting acquainted with the essential terms in the study of environmental health and
toxicology is not enough, what also matters is you should also be able to explain its inter-
relationships. Now, I will require you to explain thoroughly your answers.

1. What toxins and hazards are present in your home? Cite five examples.
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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

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2. Why do we tend to assume that natural chemicals are safe while industrial chemicals are always
dangerous? Is this accurate?
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In a Nutshell

Activity 1. The study of environmental health and toxicology is indeed pre-requisite to becoming a
higher-order thinking animal in this planet. It is a very complicated and highly scientific document
which requires content including knowledge outside the school.

Based from the definition of the most essential terms in the study of environmental health and
toxicology and the learning exercises that you have done, please feel free to write your conclusions
or lessons learned below. I have indicated my conclusions or lessons learned.

1. We have made marvelous progress in reducing some of the worst diseases that have long
plagued humans.

Your Turn

2. _____________________________________________________________________________

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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

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Big Picture in Focus: ULOb. Explain the air and water pollution.

Metalanguage
The most essential terms below are operationally defined for you to have a better
understanding of this section in the course.

1. Air pollution is one of the major environmental challenges and affects everyone: people,
livestock, crops, communities, forests, aquatic habitats.
2. Water pollution is one of the biggest environmental issues we face, since more than 70 percent
of the Earth 's atmosphere is covered by water.

Essential Knowledge

Delhi, India, reveals, poor air quality in developed world's emerging cities poses a
significant challenge to human health. The airborne dust, smoke, and soot are often 20 times
higher in many Indian cities than levels deemed healthy for human health. 10 of the 20 smoggiest
cities in the world are in India according to WHO. India's urban dwellers are six times more likely
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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

to die of lung cancer than rural residents. For countries with high rates of emissions, respiratory
disorders, cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, child mortality and miscarriages are as many as 50
percent higher than in nations with cleaner air. In 2018, a consortium of 40 distinguished health
experts concluded that about 6.5 million people worldwide are killed by air pollution.
Approximately, 92 percent of these deaths occur in low-income countries where measures to
regulate emissions are poor and health care unclear.
Reports of air pollution in southern Asia show that a 3 km (2 miles) thick layers of smoke,
chemicals, aerosols, pollen, and smog extends the entire Indian subcontinent for most of the year.
Produced by forest fires, the burning of agricultural waste and the dramatic rise in the use of fossil
fuels, this smog layer decreases by up to 15 percent the amount of solar radiation reaching the
surface of the earth below it. Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen estimates that this smog layer, 80% of
which is human-made, disrupts monsoon weather patterns and decreases rainfall by up to 40%
across northern Pakistan, Afghanistan, western China and central Asia.
In Manila, Philippines, Filipinos living in the country’s capital region have unimpeded
views of the Sierra Madre mountain range — a sight not seen in decades through Manila’s
notoriously polluted air. A week after a lockdown on its largest island, Luzon, was enforced by the
Philippine government on March 15 to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic, images of
Manila's smog-free skyline with its mountain backdrop began circulating on social media. Just
before the lockdown, the Philippines was ranked 57th out of 98 countries in the 2019 list of the
world's most polluted countries by IQAir AirVisual. Last year, concentrations of tiny particulate
matter, referred to as PM2.5, averaged 17.6 micrograms per cubic meter (μg / m3), up from 14.6
μg / m3 in 2018. They surpassed the 10 μg / m3 safety limit set by the World Health Organization
(WHO). PM2.5 is classified as particulate matter having a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less.
Such particles, a mixture of soot, smoke, metals, chemicals, pollen and other components, can be
quickly breathed in and related to respiratory diseases. According to a recent Greenpeace report,
air pollution in Manila has been related to between 11,000 and 27,000 deaths in 2018 alone and
affects 98 per cent of the 12.8 million people in the capital city. Metro Manila 's average emission
level in 2019 was 17.6 μg / m3, which peaked at 117 μg / m3 during this past New Year's Eve — a
typical occurrence as fireworks are lit in celebration. By January, ashfall caused by the eruption of
the Taal volcano that month drove PM2.5 levels in Metro Manila to 86 μg/m3, according to the
Manila Observatory.
Historically, during the dry months of April and May, experts had predicted less smog.
Yet statistics from both private and government organizations indicate an even more dramatic
decrease in air pollution rates following the implementation of the "enhanced urban quarantine,"
essentially the lockout of the city, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections. Under the ECQ,
public and private transportation as it is known has been cancelled, companies have been forced to
close, and personal mobility within the city has been restricted since March 15.
"Which explains why our sky is bright and looks clean now," says Benny Antiporda,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) undersecretary.
Air pollution is caused by the presence of harmful compounds in the environment, which
are primarily created by human activities, although it may also result from natural events such as
volcanic eruptions, storms of dust and wildfires, which often deplete the air quality. Sources of
anthropogenic air pollution include: 1. Combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil for power
and road transport, creates air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen; 2. Industry and
factory emissions, which release significant quantities of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons,
chemicals and organic compounds into the air; 3. Agriculture, using pesticides, insecticides and
fertilizers that emit harmful chemicals; and 4. Waste production, mainly through the generation of
methane in landfills.

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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

Figure 27. The Sierra Madre mountain range looming over Metro Manila. Image by Johair Siscar
Addang (https://news.mongabay.com/2020/04/manila-gets-its-skyline-back-as-air-quality-
improves-amid-covid-19-lockdown/)

A definition of the full degree of potential and real harm done by all sources of air
pollution is unlikely. But here are the principal consequences: First is on the environment. In
certain cases, air pollution has a significant effect on the cycle of plant evolution by preventing
photosynthesis, with serious implications for purifying the air we breathe. This also leads to the
production of acid rain, atmospheric precipitation in the form of heat, frost, snow or fog released
during fossil fuel combustion and transformed by interaction with water vapor in the atmosphere.
Furthermore, air pollution is a major contributor to global warming and climate change. In
addition, one of the reasons for the greenhouse effect is the accumulation of carbon dioxide in air.
The presence of greenhouse gases would usually be beneficial to the planet as they absorb the
infra-red radiation emitted by the earth's surface. Yet high atmospheric accumulation of these
gases is the source of recent climate change. The persistent exposure to air pollution is responsible
for human health deteriorating. Air pollution is also an important risk factor for human health,
causing asthma, respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, as well as damage to the lungs. There
are ways to prevent, control and eventually reduce air pollution:
1. Renewable fuel and clean energy production. The most basic solution for air
pollution is to move away from fossil fuels, replacing them with alternative energies like solar,
wind and geothermal.
2. Conservation and energy efficiency. It is important that renewable energy is
generated. But that our energy consumption by implementing good behaviors and using more
effective tools is just as critical though.
3. Eco-friendly travel. Air emissions may be minimized by moving to electric cars and
hydrogen cars and encouraging shared transportation (i.e. carpooling, and public transport).
4. Green Building. Green construction seeks to construct environmentally friendly and
resource-efficient buildings from design to removal, in order to reduce their carbon footprint.

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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

Water is important to life. This is the medium where all living processes take place. Water
dissolves and distributes nutrients to cells, controls body temperature, helps cells and removes
waste products. You are 60 percent water. You could live without food for weeks but without
water for just a few days. Worsening water shortage alarms cities and farmers around the world.
Groundwater levels in India's Ganges River plain, home to half a billion people, have decreased by
around 30 cm in just a decade. China, Syria, Iraq and other countries face increasing shortages of
water. Military experts worldwide expect water shortages to become increasingly the target of
wars and refugee crises.

Figure 28. Water is often equated with life itself. But for an archipelagic region in Southeast Asia
sandwiched between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, water pollution in the
Philippines has caused this precious resource to be anything but life’s sustenance. According to a
report released by the Asian Development Bank, ―heavy inorganic pollutants have made water
increasingly a threat to life.‖ (https://borgenproject.org/water-pollution-in-the-philippines/)

Water pollution can be characterized as pollution of a stream, river, lake, ocean or any
other stretch of water, depleting water quality and rendering it harmful to the environment and to
humans. There are two forms of water pollution: 1. Organic pollution caused by microorganisms-
bacteria and viruses-that are found in water, created by excrement, animal and vegetable waste;
2.Chemical pollution generated from pesticides such as nitrates and phosphates, human and animal
medicines, household goods, heavy metals, acids and hydrocarbons used in manufacturing.
The Solar Impulse Label is granted to innovative water emission approaches that meet
high efficiency and productivity requirements. Every approach goes through a comprehensive
evaluation process carried out by independent experts.
It is not surprising that human activity is mainly responsible for water pollution, even
though natural events-such as landslides and floods-may also lead to water quality degradation. the
causes of water pollution are: sewage and wastewater, urbanization and deforestation, agriculture,
industries, marine dumping, and radioactive waste. Inadequate sewage collection and treatment are
sources of water pollution. More than 80 percent of the world 's wastewater falls back into the
atmosphere without being processed or reused, according to the United Nations. Although it does
not directly affect water quality, urbanization and deforestation have a great deal of indirect effect.
Cutting down trees and concreting over large areas, for example, generates an acceleration in flows
that does not give enough time for water to infiltrate and purify from the ground. Agriculture has
an influence on water contamination due to the use of chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides,
fungicides, herbicides or fast-running insecticides, as well as animal excrement, manure and
methane (greenhouse effect). As far as aquaculture is concerned, contamination is directly in the

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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

water, because excess foods and fertilizers cause dystrophication. Garbage, such as plastic, paper,
metal, fish, glass, or rubber, is dumped into the sea every day. Such objects decompose for weeks
to hundreds of years, and therefore they are a significant source of water contamination. Produced-
including-by power plants and uranium mining, radioactive waste will last thousands of years in
the environment. When such contaminants are unintentionally released or improperly disposed of,
they endanger groundwater, surface water and marine resources.
Pollution from water really harms the biodiversity and the aquatic ecosystems. The toxic
chemicals can change water color and increase the amount of minerals-also known as
eutrophication-that has a bad impact on water life. Thermal pollution, which is defined by a rise in
water temperature, contributes to global warming and causes serious hazards to water organisms.
Water pollution has very negative public health consequences. Most illnesses, such as diarrhea,
cholera, typhoid, dysentery or skin infections, arise from drinking or being in contact with polluted
water. For areas where drinking water is not available, the main danger is naturally dehydration.
How to solve pollution by water? How to avoid water pollution? Here is a list of
approaches to water pollution:
1. Wastewater treatment. Treatment of wastewater is the removal of contaminants from
wastewater by a physical, chemical or biological process. The more effective such systems are, the
water is cleaner.
2. Green Farming. Globally, agriculture accounts for 70 percent of water supplies, so
climate-friendly crops, effective irrigation, which decreases the need for water, and energy-
efficient food production, are important. Green farming is also important for reducing the
contaminants entering water.
3. Stormwater Management. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), is the initiative to limit runoff of rainwater or melted snow into streets, lawns and other
places and enhance water quality. It is important to avoid contaminating the water with pollutants,
and to make more efficient use of water.
4. Air Pollution Prevention. Air pollution has a direct impact on water contamination
since oceans absorb 25 percent of human-induced CO2 emissions. This pollution causes our
oceans to acidify rapidly, which endangers marine life which corals. The best way to avoid this is
to eliminate air pollution.
5. Reducing plastic waste. For our oceans, 80 percent of the plastic is from land sources.
To minimize the amount of plastic entering our environment, we need to minimize our use of
plastics internationally, as well as strengthen the management of plastic waste.
6. Conserving water. We are not going very far, without water conservation. It's key to
ensuring greater access to clean water for the world. This means being aware that water is a scarce
resource, taking care of it and using it responsibly.

The Philippines is a developing country that is also undergoing rapid urbanization and
industrialization. Out of more than one hundred million Filipinos, nine million rely on unsafe
water supplies. In fact, water pollution in the Philippines and a lack of proper sewage kills 55
people every day. Katrina Arianne Ebora, part of UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
program in the Philippines, notes that access to adequate sanitation facilities is a problem for more
than 30 million Filipinos. This portion of the population is forced to spend considerable time,
effort and energy in procuring water. Families without a sanitary toilet often face the
embarrassment of venturing outside to relieve themselves. Some resort to asking their neighbors to
utilize their sanitary toilet facilities. Environmental group Greenpeace has previously warned that
Filipinos in key agricultural areas are drinking water contaminated with nitrates. After conducting
a study on important farming areas, Greenpeace warned that nitrate levels were alarmingly above
the safety limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The group also noted that
―drinking water from 30 percent of all groundwater wells sampled in [the Philippines and
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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

Thailand] showed nitrates levels above the WHO safety limit of 50 mg l-1 of nitrate.‖
Due to water pollution in the Philippines, the country is likely to face a shortage of water
for sanitation, drinking, agriculture and industrial purposes in the next ten years. In an Asia
Development Bank report, the Philippines’ regional group – which includes Cambodia, Indonesia,
Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam – has made gains in improving water security.
However, the region is home to a sixth of the global population and the poorest people in the
world. With agriculture consuming a staggering 80 percent of the region’s water, the region is a
global hotspot for water insecurity.
Water conservation efforts in the Philippines by many local and international companies
have protected the water supplies for future use. Coca-Cola has pledged nearly $1.4 million for a
five-year project with the World Wildlife Fund to protect the capital’s drinking water source, the
Ipo Watershed. The Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines, an industry that
heavily uses water, has started initiatives to capture and utilize rainwater for many production
needs.
In 2014, Water.org began providing philanthropic and technical support to offset water
pollution in the Philippines by expanding its WaterCredit program. Water.org’s statistics show that
75 percent of Filipinos are willing to invest in water and sanitation loans. Between 2015 to 2017,
the organization and its partners worked with eight different microfinance institutions to conduct
research and training in fulfilling the high demand for clean water and sanitation access.
Experts have a consensus on the water improvement efforts in the country: the Philippines
government, environmental action groups, industries and locals need to work together on more
initiatives to avert the impending water crisis that may beset the region in the not-so-distant future.
– Mohammed Khalid

Self-Help: You can also refer to the sources below to help you further
understand the lesson:
*Bueno, D. (2019). Environmental science. Mandaluyong City: Book Atbp. Publishing
Corp. ISBN: 978-621-409-112-6

*Cunningham, W. & Cunningham, M. A. (2020). Principles of environmental science:

inquiry and applications. New York: McGraw-Hill Education. 9th edition.

*Easton, T. (2016). Taking sides: clashing views on environmental issues. New York:
McGraw-Hill Education. 16th edition.

*Enger, E. & Smith, B. (2019). Environmental Science: a study of interrelationships. New

York: McGraw Hill Education. 15th edition.

*Miller, G. & Spoolman, S. (2019). Environmental science. Australia: Cengage Learning,

Inc. ISBN: 978-1-337-61275-3

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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

Let’s Check

Activity 1. Now that you know the most essential terms in the study of air and water pollution.
Let us try to check your understanding of these terms. In the space provided, write the term/s
being asked in the following statements:
1. He is a Nobel laureate estimates that this smog layer, 80% of
which is human-made, disrupts monsoon weather patterns and decreases rainfall by up to 40%
across northern Pakistan, Afghanistan, western China and central Asia.

2. In Manila, Philippines, Filipinos living in the country’s capital

region have unimpeded views of what mountain range?

3. She is part of UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

program in the Philippines, notes that access to adequate sanitation facilities is a problem for more
than 30 million Filipinos.

4. It accounts for 70 percent of water supplies, so climate-friendly

crops, effective irrigation, which decreases the need for water, and energy-efficient food
production, are important.

5. It is granted to innovative water emission approaches that meet

high efficiency and productivity requirements.

6. This company has pledged nearly $1.4 million for a five-year

project with the World Wildlife Fund to protect the capital’s drinking water source, the Ipo
Watershed.

7. This country’s urban dwellers are six times more likely to die of
lung cancer than rural residents.

8. In what year does a consortium of 40 distinguished health

experts concluded that about 6.5 million people worldwide are killed by air pollution.

9. It warned that nitrate levels were alarmingly above the safety

limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

10. It has an influence on water contamination due to the use of

chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or fast-running insecticides, as well
as animal excrement, manure and methane.

Let’s Analyze

Activity 1. In this part, you are once again required to elaborate thoroughly your answer
on the questions below:
1. What is the Philippine Clean Air Act? Explain.
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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2. Do you think that water pollution is worse now than it was in the past? What considerations go
into a judgment such as this? How do personal experiences influence your opinion?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
In a Nutshell

Activity 1. Study about air and water pollution have raised a lot of perspectives, facts that
will help us to understand our environment. In this part, you will be required to draw conclusions,
perspectives, arguments and ideas from the unit lesson. I will supply the first item and you will
continue the rest.
1. The most noticeable and common form of pollution is always air pollution. In the most
isolated island in the Pacific, anywhere on earth. While water pollution remains a significant
threat to human health and ecosystem well-being in China and India.

2. _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4. _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
14
 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

5. _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Big Picture in Focus: ULOc. Identify other environmental problems

and its policies.
Essential Knowledge
The greenhouse effect is a phenomenon that occurs when gases trap the heat of the Sun in
the Earth's atmosphere. This cycle makes Earth much warmer without an atmosphere than it would
be. One of the factors that makes Earth a safe place to live, is the greenhouse effect.

How does the greenhouse effect work?

The greenhouse effect works ... like a greenhouse, as you would expect from the name
itself. A greenhouse is a glass wall building, with a glass roof. Greenhouses are used for plant
growing, such as tomatoes and tropical flowers. Inside, a greenhouse stays dry, even during the
winter. Sunlight beams into the greenhouse during the daytime and warms the interior of the plants
and the air. Outside it is colder at night, but inside the greenhouse remains pretty dry. This is
because the greenhouse's glass walls absorb the heat of the Sun. The greenhouse effect operates on
Earth in much the same way. Atmospheric gases, such as carbon dioxide, trap heat much like a
greenhouse glass roof. These gases which trap heat are called greenhouse gasses. The Sun shines
out of the atmosphere throughout the day. The atmosphere of the Planet warms up at sunlight. The
Earth's surface cools down at night, releasing heat back into the air. Yet some of the heat is trapped
in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases. That's what keeps our World at an average, warm and
comfortable 58 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius).

How are humans impacting the greenhouse effect?

Human actions are changing the natural greenhouse effect on Earth. The burning of fossil
fuels, such as coal and oil, releases more carbon dioxide into our climate. National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA) has seen changes in the amount of carbon dioxide in our
atmosphere and several other greenhouse gases. Too much of these greenhouse gases can cause
more and more heat to trap the Earth's atmosphere. It warms up the Earth.

What reduces the greenhouse effect on Earth?

Like a glass greenhouse, the greenhouse on Earth is full of plants too! Plants can help to
counter Earth's greenhouse effect. All plants — from giant trees to tiny ocean phytoplankton —
absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. As well, the ocean consumes most extra carbon
dioxide in the soil. The rising carbon dioxide in the ocean is sadly altering the atmosphere, making
it more acidic. This is called acidization of the water. More acidic water can damage many ocean
species, for example some shellfish and coral. Changing oceans – from too many atmospheric
greenhouse gasses – can also damage these species. Warmer waters are a major cause of bleaching
in corals.

15
 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

Figure 29. This photograph shows a bleached brain coral. A main cause of coral bleaching is
warming oceans. Ocean acidification also stresses coral reef communities. Credit: NOAA

Acid rain is not pure acid falling from the sky, but rather it is rainfall or atmospheric
moisture mixed with elements and gases that have made the moisture more acidic than normal.
Pure water has a pH of 7, and on the acid side, rainfall is generally somewhat (a bit less than 6).
Nevertheless, acid rain can have a pH of about 5.0-5.5, and may even be within the 4 range in the
northeastern United States, where a lot of industries and cars are present.

Figure 30. This religious medieval sculpture, made of sandstone, has been degraded by the
acidification of air and rains. The sculpture is located in Dresden, at the corner
of Bautzner Straße and Eck Glacisstraße. (https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-
school/science/acid-rain-and-water?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects)
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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

Natural (volcanoes) and man-made activities can cause acidic precipitation, such as from
cars and in electricity generation. Acid rain formation precursors or chemical precursors arise from
both natural causes, such as volcanoes and declining vegetation, and man-made causes, primarily
sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NO) from fossil fuel combustion. The combustion of
fossil fuels (coal and oil) by power-producing firms and factories releases sulfur into the air that
absorbs sulfur dioxide (SO2) to form oxygen. Car exhausts cause the nitrogen oxides to form in
the air. Airborne sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) can be formed from these gasses
and dissolved in the air water vapor. Even though acid-rain gases can originate in urban areas,
winds also carry them into rural areas for hundreds of miles in the atmosphere. This is why acid
rain originating in cities can damage forests and lakes in the countryside.

Ozone depletion, gradual thinning of the Earth's ozone layer in the upper atmosphere,
caused by the release from industry and other human activities of chemical compounds containing
gaseous chlorine or bromine. Over the polar regions the thinning is most pronounced, particularly
over Antarctica. Ozone depletion is a significant environmental issue because it increases the
amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation entering the Earth's surface, which increases the risk of skin
cancer, eye cataracts and damage to the genetic and immune systems. The Montreal Protocol,
ratified in 1987, was the first of many international comprehensive agreements to curb the
development and use of ozone depleting chemicals. The ozone layer is expected to recuperate over
time as a result of sustained international cooperation on this issue.

Noise pollution is generally defined as regular exposure to elevated levels of sound which
can cause adverse effects in humans or other living organisms. According to the World Health
Organization, sound rates below 70 decibel (dB) are not harmful to living organisms, no matter
how long or constant the exposure is. Exposure to constant noise beyond 85 dB for more than 8
hours can be hazardous. When you work close to a busy road or highway for 8 hours every day,
you are most likely subjected to traffic noise levels about 85dB. In today's culture, this form of
noise is so omnipresent that we sometimes no longer even hear it: street traffic sounds from
vehicles, buses, pedestrians, ambulances etc.; building sounds like drilling or other heavy
machinery in service; airports, with constantly elevated air traffic sounds, i.e. flight departures or
landings; sounds in the workplace, often common in open-space offices; loud music constant in or
near commercial venues; industrial sounds like fans, compressors, generators, mills; railway
stations Household noises, from TV to stereo or computer playing music, vacuum cleaners, fans
and coolers, washing machines, dishwashers, lawnmowers etc.; fireworks, fire-crackers,
loudspeakers etc.; and conflicts generate noise pollution through explosions, gunfire etc. The
dysfunctions, in this case, are likely caused by the conflict and insecurity and less by the noise
pollution in itself, although that compounds stress levels too.

Soil erosion is a process which occurs naturally and affects all landforms. Soil erosion in
agriculture refers to the wearing away of the topsoil of a field by the natural physical forces of
water and wind, or by forces associated with agricultural practices such as tillage. Erosion involves
three distinct actions, whether by water, wind or tillage – soil detachment, movement, and
deposition. Topsoil, which is rich in organic matter, fertility and soil life, is transported "on-site"
elsewhere where it builds up over time or is brought "off-site" where it fills in drainage channels.
Soil erosion decreases agricultural production and helps pollute nearby watercourses, wetlands,
and lakes. Soil erosion can be a slow process that goes on fairly unnoticed, or can occur at an
alarming rate, causing significant topsoil loss. Other serious conditions of soil degradation that can
accelerate the soil erosion process are soil compaction, low organic matter, loss of soil structure,
poor internal drainage, salinization and problems with soil acidity.

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 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

Major Environmental Laws in the Philippines

by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

REPUBLIC ACT 9003 ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2000

In partnership with stakeholders, the law aims to adopt a systematic, comprehensive and
ecological solid waste management program that shall ensure the protection of public health and
environment. The law ensures proper segregation, collection, storage, treatment and disposal of
solid waste through the formulation and adaptation of best eco-waste products.

REPUBLIC ACT 9275 PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT OF 2004

The law aims to protect the country's water bodies from pollution from land-based sources
(industries and commercial establishments, agriculture and community/household activities). It
provides for comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and minimize pollution through a
multi-sectoral and participatory approach involving all the stakeholders.

REPUBLIC ACT 8749 PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999

The law aims to achieve and maintain clean air that meets the National Air Quality
guideline values for criteria pollutants, throughout the Philippines, while minimizing the possible
associated impacts to the economy.

REPUBLIC ACT 6969 TOXIC SUBSTANCES, HAZARDOUS AND NUCLEAR WASTE

CONTROL ACT OF 1990
The law aims to regulate restrict or prohibit the importation, manufacture, processing, sale,
distribution, use and disposal of chemical substances and mixtures the present unreasonable risk to
human health. It likewise prohibits the entry, even in transit, of hazardous and nuclear wastes and
their disposal into the Philippine territorial limits for whatever purpose; and to provide
advancement and facilitate research and studies on toxic chemicals.

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1586 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS)

STATEMENT OF 1978
The Environment Impact Assessment System was formally established in 1978 with the
enactment of Presidential Decree no. 1586 to facilitate the attainment and maintenance of rational
and orderly balance between socio-economic development and environmental protection. EIA is a
planning and management tool that will help government, decision makers, the proponents and the
affected community address the negative consequences or risks on the environment. The process
assures implementation of environment-friendly projects.

Self-Help: You can also refer to the sources below to help you further
understand the lesson:
*Bueno, D. (2019). Environmental science. Mandaluyong City: Book Atbp. Publishing
Corp. ISBN: 978-621-409-112-6

*Cunningham, W. & Cunningham, M. A. (2020). Principles of environmental science:

inquiry and applications. New York: McGraw-Hill Education. 9th edition.

*Easton, T. (2016). Taking sides: clashing views on environmental issues. New York:
McGraw-Hill Education. 16th edition.

18
 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

*Enger, E. & Smith, B. (2019). Environmental Science: a study of interrelationships. New

York: McGraw Hill Education. 15th edition.

*Miller, G. & Spoolman, S. (2019). Environmental science. Australia: Cengage Learning,

Inc. ISBN: 978-1-337-61275-3

Let’s Check

Activity 1. Now that you know the most essential terms in the study of other environmental
problems and environmental law. Let us try to check your understanding of these terms. In the
space provided, write the term/s being asked in the following statements:
1. The law ensures proper segregation, collection, storage,
treatment and disposal of solid waste through the formulation and adaptation of best eco-waste
products.

2. What do you mean by NASA?

3. It can be a slow process that goes on fairly unnoticed, or can

occur at an alarming rate, causing significant topsoil loss.

4. It is expected to recuperate over time as a result of sustained

international cooperation on this issue.

5. It is to facilitate the attainment and maintenance of rational and

orderly balance between socio-economic development and environmental protection.

6. According to the World Health Organization, how many Db

exposure to constant noise for more than 8 hours can be hazardous?

7. This cycle makes Earth much warmer without an atmosphere

than it would be.

8. Acid rain can have how many pH?

9. It is a significant environmental issue because it increases the

amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation entering the Earth's surface.

10. It is a phenomenon that occurs when gases trap the heat of the
Sun in the Earth's atmosphere.

19
 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

Let’s Analyze

Activity 1. In this part, you are once again required to elaborate thoroughly your answer
on the questions below:
1. List two broad goals of environmental education identified by the National Environmental
Education Act?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

2. In your opinion, how much environmental protection is too much? Think of practical example in
which some stakeholders may feel oppressed by governmental regulations. How would you justify
or criticize these regulations?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
In a Nutshell

Activity 1. Study about environmental laws have raised a lot of perspectives, facts that will
help us to understand our environment. In this part, you will be required to draw conclusions,
perspectives, arguments and ideas from the unit lesson. I will supply the first item and you will
continue the rest.
1. The environmental policy choices we make now, at scales from national policy to individual
consumption patterns, will influence environmental quality and natural resources for future
generations.

2. _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
20
 UM Panabo College
Department of Accounting, Business, and Management Education
P.N. Arguelles St., San Francisco, Panabo City
Telefax # (084) 628-6437

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4. _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
5. _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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