V is the degradation of Earth's land surfaces often

caused by human activities and their misuse of

land resources. It occurs when waste is not
disposed properly. Health hazard disposal of urban
and industrial wastes, exploitation of minerals,
and improper use of soil by inadequate
agricultural practices are a few factors.

V Urbanization and industrialization are major

causes of land pollution. The Industrial Revolution
set a series of events into motion which destroyed
natural habitats and polluted the environment,
causing diseases in both humans and other species
of animals.
Some of the major contributors to land pollution
include:
V Àil refineries
V Human sewage
V Mining
V Littering
V Herbicides
V Industrial factories
V Deforestation
V Construction debris
V Àvercrowded landfills
V Chemical and nuclear plants
V Àil and antifreeze leaking from cars
 one family a day can make two Ȃ three plastics of trash
in a day. There are around eighty million Filipinos in
our country; therefore, 16 million families exist,
creating 32 million plastics of trash in a day. Can you
imagine where all those waste will go? This is the very
reason why the Philippines cannot help but have
dumpsites where all our mountains of trash set off.
Àne popular example for this is the Smokey Mountain.
These dumpsites are not healthy for these are where
germs and bacteria love to stay. Flies and mosquitoes
are very much attracted in these kinds of areas as well.
These also create smells that are not good for the body.
There are many people living nearby these sites and
unfortunately, they are the ones greatly affected and
they are left with no choice.
ëside form Metro Manila , the city of
Meycauayan and the town of Marilao in
Bulacan province share a slot in the list of
the worldǯs 30 most polluted places dubbed
as the DzDirty Thirtydz . Industrial waste is
haphazardly dumped into the Marilao,
Meycauayan and Àbando. These places
were polluted due to wastes received from
tanneries, gold and precious metals
refineries ,the largest lead smelter in the
Philippines, and numerous municipal
dumpsites
The term "street foods" describes a wide range of ready-
to-eat foods and beverages sold and sometimes
prepared in public places, notably streets.

The most common Philippine street foods include

fried squidballs, fishballs, 3 3
Ȅa type of processed
chicken, which is served on a stick, with a variety of
dipping sauces.
p
  
 

V Rapid population growth and urbanization have
serious environmental and health implications. With
the emergence of modern environmental hazards (e.g.,
improperly disposed hazardous substances from
industries and households, vehicular and industrial
emissions) and the persistence of traditional hazards
(e.g., lack of access to fundamental resources such as
safe water, sanitation and housing).
V Filipinos face the burden of both communicable
diseases, which are closely linked with traditional
hazards, and diseases, which are associated with
modern hazards. Under these circumstances,
impoverished communities that have yet to acquire the
basic needs essential for healthy living like water, food,
shelter and sanitation facilities experience greater
difficulties and risks.
©
 
V Food-borne diseases are usually caused by infectious
organisms like viruses, bacteria and parasites and, in
most instances, manifest as diarrhea. These diseases
are transmitted from person to person by means of
soiled hands and food contaminated by human waste
through the oral-fecal route. The incidence of food-
borne diseases peaks during the rainy season and is
usually high in areas where sanitation and hygienic
practices are poor.
£ ëlthough improvements in morbidity and mortality rates
for food-borne diseases have been noted, the burden of
diarrheal diseases is still high and reflects poor access to
safe water supply and sanitation facilities by the more
susceptible population groups. While the number of
water and sanitation facilities has increased, the
availability of these facilities in the rural areas and among
the poorer sector of the urban population has not
significantly changed.
V ën emerging issue relative to food safety in the country is
the issue on street foods. With the rapid urbanization of
the country and the fast-paced lifestyle of the urban
population, comes its inevitable popularization. In a study
conducted by Barth, it was found that the purchase of non-
household food preparations accounted for about 30
percent of all food expenditures. These purchases were
usually from the immediate neighborhood selling street
foods. In a study conducted by the Food and Nutrition
Research Institute (FNRI), selected street foods have been
found to have significant nutritional value, but the public
has to be guided on the choices and be educated on the
danger that these foods can pose to health if they are not
prepared well. Several other studies have shown the
presence of microorganisms in the commonly vended
street foods.
£ The problem at the moment is that there is no local
standards upon which microbial levels in street foods
may be assessed and even provide basis for monitoring
efforts.
£ There has to be a nationwide attempt to require
registration or licensing of street food vendors. The
street food industry needs a recognized body that will
coordinate efforts by various agencies relative to this
sector and at the same time serve as anchor in policy
formulation and provision of technical assistance.
£ Training courses provided by LGUs to street food
vendors have yet to be reviewed and regulated. The
government has already recognized the economic
contributions of this informal sector. It needs to come up
with a comprehensive package of services to address
problems and uplift its status as a major source of food
for people.
£ The occurrence of food-related issues with the recent
emergence of diseases like the avian influenza and
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and the
perennial presence of food and water-borne diseases in
the top ten causes of morbidity and infant mortality
prompted the DÀH to create in 2003 the Food Safety
Committee.
Ô  

©
£ During breaktime from work, you can see people in all
walks of life who are in tight budget are crowding food
stalls along the main streets in many cities in the
Philippines (just like any crowded cities in ësia or
other parts of the world) to eat street foods. It varies
from viands or entree, snacks and finger foods. Street
foods are the alternative food if you want to be a spend
thrift. The taste of the food can be compared to the
food being prepared at famous fast food and
restaurants. The only difference is the price; it's more
cheaper. Tourists, local and foreign, are also enjoying
this kind of food setting. Eating along the street, can
be relaxing, but there are also dangers that can cause
health problems for me and you.
p 

  



 
£ Now that many pollutants are everywhere, eating
street food is dangerous. Even in many progressive
countries, street vendors are selling newly-cooked food
that lure the palate or taste buds of bystanders. I didn't
have any grudge with the vendors but authorities
should issue health warnings and certificate to ensure
people of the safeness of the food they are selling. Even
we're selling food at home, we must ensure the safety
of the ingredients we are using.©
    can
cause fatal effects or even death to people who are at
risk when eating street food. Street vendors serve their
food hot but are we sure it's safe?