Sustainable Chemical Management:

Using MSDS

Submitted by:
Abigail Lim Barbosa
Angelique Banaag
Athena Margaret Ricafranca
Ezekiel Dawa
Francine Nicole Fermin
Gelina Fronda
John Llyod Azores
Josh Aquino
May Zyrene Radomes

11STEM7 Group 5

Presented to:
Roma Joy Rañoco
October 23, 2023
 Sustainable Chemical Management: Using MSDS
For the general public, environmental advocates, workers handling chemicals,
government officials, and community leaders

9:00am, Department of Science and Technology Compound

We will discuss the importance of chemical safety, focusing on sodium carbonate and calcium
chloride, and the role of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in promoting responsible waste
management in the Philippines. And to raise awareness about the potential dangers of sodium
carbonate and calcium chloride, the environmental and health risks associated with improper
disposal, and the importance of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as tools for safe handling
and disposal. Additionally, to highlight the initiatives in the Philippines aimed at promoting
responsible waste management and environmental protection.
Introduction
BARBOSA
In a world where waste disposal isn't taken seriously, dangerous chemicals like sodium carbonate
and calcium chloride are thoughtlessly dumped into landfills. These chemicals react with each
other, releasing harmful gases that worsen climate change. They also contaminate our soil, water,
and air, causing health problems for people and animals. Unfortunately, this is the grim reality in
the Philippines today. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the
country generates about 40,000 tons of solid waste each day, but only 28% of it is properly
disposed of. The rest ends up in open dumps, waterways, or illegal landfills, posing serious
environmental and health risks. Today, we'll explore the dangers of sodium carbonate and
calcium chloride, two common chemicals we encounter daily, and learn how to use Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to handle them safely. We'll also discuss the initiatives aimed at
promoting responsible waste management in the Philippines.
Body
BANAAG
In our interconnected world, chemicals play crucial roles in our daily lives. However, as we
benefit from these compounds, we must also consider their impact on the environment and our
health. Today, I'd like to draw your attention to two common substances: sodium carbonate and
calcium chloride. While they may seem harmless, improper disposal of these chemicals can have
significant consequences.
Sodium carbonate and calcium chloride are two common chemicals that we use in various
industries and applications. Sodium carbonate, also known as washing soda or soda ash, is a
colorless and odorless powder that is used as a water softener, a cleaning agent, a pH adjuster,
and a raw material for glass, paper, soap, and detergent production. Calcium chloride, also
known as road salt or ice melt, is a white crystalline solid that is used as a food additive, a de-
icing agent, a drying agent, a solvent desiccant, and a raw material for cement, plastics, and
ceramics. These chemicals can be found in many places, from food products to roads and
sidewalks.
RICAFRANCA
When sodium carbonate and calcium chloride find their way into landfills, a chemical reaction
takes place, resulting in the production of calcium carbonate and sodium chloride. This reaction,
seemingly innocuous, carries a hidden menace. Tthe release of carbon dioxide gas. Carbon
dioxide, as we know, is a potent greenhouse gas that is contributing to the specter of global
warming, exacerbating the climate crisis that looms large over our world. The extent of sodium
carbonate and calcium chloride in landfills remains an enigma, but it is a matter that warrants our
serious concern.
Consider this: a study conducted by the University of the Philippines Diliman revealed that
municipal solid waste in Metro Manila carries an average chemical oxygen demand of 1.8 kg per
kilogram of waste. This staggering figure means that for every kilogram of waste generated, 1.8
kilograms of oxygen are devoured by the chemical reactions transpiring in these landfills. This
high chemical activity is a clarion call to the serious environmental repercussions we face.
DAWA
Sodium carbonate and calcium chloride are not mere bystanders; they are chemical actors that
can inflict harm upon the environment and our health. These compounds can provoke skin, eye,
and respiratory irritation, and their interactions with other waste materials in landfills can spawn
toxic byproducts and gases. These chemical menaces infiltrate the environment, resulting in
groundwater contamination, noxious gas emissions, and disruptions to fragile ecosystems. The
impact is enduring, and its scope extends beyond immediate health concerns to encompass a dire
threat to our environment.
In the pages of history, we find a depressing example of the catastrophic consequences of
improper waste disposal - the Payatas landfill disaster of 2000. This haunting event, where a
landslide at a landfill in Quezon City led to the loss of hundreds of lives, stands as a grim
reminder of the critical need for responsible waste management.
FERMIN
And this is where Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) step into the spotlight. These documents
are indispensable repositories of knowledge, holding the key to the responsible handling of
chemicals, including sodium carbonate and calcium chloride. MSDSs do not merely serve as
repositories of information; they are the guardians of our safety, offering essential insights into
the potential hazards of these chemicals and providing precise instructions on how to handle,
store, transport, and dispose of them safely.
MSDSs are not just technical documents; they are a beacon of safety for both individuals and the
environment. By following MSDSs, we not only reduce the risk of chemical exposure and illness
for ourselves and others, but we also minimize the environmental impact of chemical substances
through proper disposal.
These invaluable documents also lend their support to the efforts of sanitary landfills, which
stand as a last line of defense against the contamination of groundwater and the release of
harmful gases. They are meticulously designed to protect our natural resources and ecosystems,
preserving the delicate balance of our environment.
FRONDA
MSDSs may not directly reduce waste generation or increase recycling, but they fundamentally
improve waste management practices by ensuring the safe and responsible disposal of chemicals.
However, let's acknowledge the challenges. MSDSs are not always available or accessible.
Manufacturers or suppliers might not provide them with their products, or they might offer
incomplete or outdated information. Users or workers might not have access due to limitations in
internet connectivity, storage space, or training. This lack of access can lead to confusion,
ignorance, or negligence when handling chemicals.
Moreover, the accuracy and reliability of MSDSs are not always guaranteed. Information might
be based on assumptions or estimations rather than concrete data. Inconsistencies and
contradictions may arise compared to other sources of information. The technical language and
vagueness of these documents can bewilder users, leading to misinformation, misunderstanding,
or misapplication.
AQUINO
To overcome these challenges, we can adopt solutions:
Firstly, training is paramount. Employers should provide comprehensive educational programs to
equip workers with the skills to effectively read and interpret MSDSs. By understanding the
potential hazards and necessary precautions, workers can confidently handle chemicals, ensuring
their safety and the safety of those around them.
Secondly, communication is key. Employers can implement simplified hazard communication
using universal pictograms and labels. These visual cues convey information clearly,
transcending language barriers and ensuring that everyone understands the risks associated with
specific chemicals. By adopting this approach, we can enhance workplace safety and prevent
accidents.
Thirdly, technology can be a game-changer. Employers can harness electronic databases and
mobile applications to provide easy access to MSDSs. In regions with limited internet access,
mobile applications can simplify retrieval and enhance understanding through interactive
features.
By leveraging technology, we can bridge the gap and ensure that vital information is readily
available to all.
RADOMES
But MSDSs do not stand alone; they are part of a broader network of initiatives and programs
dedicated to responsible waste management. Let's now shift our focus to these wider initiatives
that work in tandem with MSDSs.
For instance, consider the Philippine Zero Waste Program, a government initiative aiming to
reduce waste generation and promote sustainable waste management practices. This program,
which encourages the participation of government agencies, local communities, businesses, and
civil society organizations, aligns with the role of MSDSs in fostering responsible waste
management.
The Philippine Zero Waste Program, when combined with the guidance of MSDSs, creates a
comprehensive approach to reducing waste and endorsing environmentally friendly practices. It
emphasizes the importance of harmonizing government policies with practical knowledge,
forging a path towards a more sustainable future.

Conclusion
BARBOSA
In conclusion, we must be acutely aware of the far-reaching consequences of our actions.
Sodium carbonate and calcium chloride, seemingly innocuous, possess the potential to cause
catastrophic harm to the environment and human health if mishandled. MSDSs are our critical
allies in this journey, offering essential knowledge for safe chemical management.
By following the instructions laid out in MSDSs, we can make a lasting impact on our world,
ensuring a greener and healthier future for ourselves and for generations to come. We cannot
afford to take our environment and health for granted. Today, we stand at a crossroads - let us
choose the path of responsible chemical management, using MSDSs as our guide to a safer,
cleaner, and more sustainable world.
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