Why your structures may be at risk if ‘Big One’ strikes

With the “Big One” a big possibil-ity and the ongoing industrial developments in the country, the government should revisit the Philippine steel production policy. The Big One is the predicted 7.2-magnitude earthquake that may hit Metro Manila and neighboring areas.

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While the country seeks to bolster its steel production to meet infrastructure demands, the method by which this steel is produced warrants urgent scrutiny, especially with the feared Big One. However, the widespread use of induction furnaces (IFs) in steel manufacturing poses significant environmental, health, and economic risks. With these developments, it’s crucial for the Philippines to follow the lead of other nations by imposing a ban on this outdated and hazardous technology.

Induction furnaces, particularly those refurbished and imported from China, are known to have adverse safety and environmental issues. In fact, China already banned the use of the induction furnace method.

Induction furnace-produced steel often fails to meet safety standards. The Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) has highlighted that steel products from IFs are substandard, with poor mechanical properties such as low elongation and strength. This compromises the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure, especially in a country prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons.