THE Department of Health (DOH) warned the public about the health effects of an oil spill on individuals when inhaled, touched, or ingested following the sinking of two tankers off the coast of Bataan.
In the advisory, the DOH emphasized that an oil spill can have the following health effects depending on how an individual is exposed to it.
Through inhalation, one may experience eye irritation, increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, and difficulty concentrating.
Through skin contact, one may experience skin irritation, blisters, burns, peeling skin, and dermatitis.
When ingested, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, coughing, irritation, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures, coma, and death.
To prevent these effects, warning signs should be placed in affected areas or water should be applied to the affected body.
Ensure that the drinking water is safe and clean. Children should also be prohibited from playing in affected areas as they are at high risk of ingestion.
If exposed to an oil spill or any chemicals from the spill, clothing should be removed and decontaminated.
The affected body parts should be washed immediately with soap and water. For those experiencing symptoms, the DOH advises the public to seek medical assistance from the nearest facility or healthcare professionals.
Pets should also be prevented from bathing or drinking water from affected areas of the oil spill. The public is also advised not to consume seafood such as fish, shellfish from the affected area and nearby water sources unless permitted by local authorities.
The MT Terranova and MTKR Jason Bradley sank in the sea off the coast of Bataan.
