Brief Communication: Use of field test kit for detection of lead in drinking water in Philippines post the disaster typhoon Haiyan

Abstract

On 8 November 2013, super typhoon Haiyan made landfall in Philippines. On 24 November, the Chinese hospital ship arrived in Philippines to help with disaster relief efforts. Drinking water was collected at a variety of locations, and the concentration levels of lead were determined with field test kit. The results showed that the levels of lead in 67% of total collected water samples exceeded WHO's standard. Afterwards, the local government had taken many measures to ensure a safe water supply in next few months. This is the first report about water quality in Philippines after the disaster.