CAMARINES Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. has filed a measure seeking to protect children against pollutants.

House Bill 8411 or the proposed Environmental Protection for Children Act aims to establish guidelines that will help reduce and eliminate children’s exposure to environmental pollutants.

Villafuerte explained that children have more sensitive needs than adults and they face more unique health threats.

House Bill 8411 mandates the Department of Health to identify environmental pollutants commonly used or found in areas that are reasonably accessible to children.

The DOH must also create a scientifically peer-reviewed list of substances with known, likely, or suspected health risks to children. It must also establish the guidelines to help reduce and eliminate exposure of children to environmental pollutants.

“Public health and safety depends on citizens and local officials. They should know the toxic dangers that exist in their homes, communities and neighborhoods,” Villafuerte said in his explanatory note.