Chinatown residents warned vs asbestos

MANILA, Philippines - Workers and residents in Manila’s Chinatown district should take precautions against inhaling asbestos, which may be released into the air by the demolition of the old Philippine National Bank building in Escolta, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said yesterday.

Asbestos used to be added to building materials because of its strength and heat-resistant qualities. Asbestos dust was later discovered to be carcinogenic.

“We are urging Chinese-Filipino community residents and office workers, including those construction workers, to protect themselves in the event of the demolition since asbestos dust fibers… cannot be seen by naked eyes,” the TUCP said.

The group called on Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada to tap asbestos demolition experts because the removal, storage and disposal of materials that contain asbestos follow a stringent process.

The city-owned PNB building, once considered by conservationists as an important piece of cultural property, was gutted by fire in January 2015, prompting Estrada to order its demolition.