Amsterdam, 22 August, 1996 (GP) -- The continuing trade in lead acid batteries from the rich industrialised countries is threatening the health and environment of local Filipino communities, according to a new report published today by Greenpeace.

"Because of a loophole in Filipino law, there has been a dramatic rise in scrap battery imports -- 42 tons a day," said Greenpeace campaigner Von Hernandez. "Typically, countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany and the USA are exporting their environmental problems to poorer countries. Meanwhile the Filipino Government has disgracefully allowed this to go on."

Samples collected by Greenpeace showed severe lead contamination around the country's largest importer of used car batteries, Philippine Recyclers Inc. Lead levels in the soil were 26,000 parts per million, compared to a typical 140 ppm in soil adjacent to a lead smelter in Europe.

Filipino plant workers and people living nearby have complained of an increase in health problems, including nausea, burning eyes, sore throats and respiratory problems. Lead is the most pervasive and toxic of all environmental contaminants, and is particularly dangerous to children. Amongst other consequences, acute or chronic exposure can cause brain damage. In the USA, workers wear fully protective suits. while those at most recycling plants in the Philippines have little protection.

Greenpeace regards the import and export of such material as contrary to the Basel Ban, designed to stop the export of dangerous waste from industrialised countries to less industrialised ones. Greenpeace is calling for the Philippines to uphold its national and international obligations and to ratify the Basel Ban immediately.

For further information contact:
James Gillies, Press Officer, Greenpeace International (Amsterdam) 00 31 20 524 9548;
Von Hernandez, Toxics Campaigner (Manila) 00 63 2 740 1820;
Marcelo Furtado, Toxics Campaigner (Washington DC), 00 1 202 319 2454