regarding the tunnel and pit. Health issues On 17 April 1996, a Department of Health (DOH) report said that residents may already be harboring quantities of zinc and copper beyond tolerable limits. Nine residents were found to have zinc in their blood more than 200% above safe levels. Water samples also revealed dangerous levels of contamination i.e. 1,300% above the human tolerable level of 0.5 micro-gram per 1/1000 litres of water. Residents complained of skin irritations and respiratory problems which could have been caused by poisonous vapors such as hydrogen sulfide and nitrous oxide from mine wastes. Despite the findings, Marcopper claimed the tailings were non-toxic. In 2016, the DOH regional office called Marinduque a health emergency due to the effects of the Marcopper disaster. Policy reforms A year before the disaster, the Philippine Mining Act was enacted to push for the liberalization of the country's mining industry. The Marcopper mining disaster led to significant changes in the government's mining policies. The disaster prompted government to revise the rules of the Mining Act to focus more on the protection of the environment and address social issues. Higher standards for rehabilitation were set and stronger provisions on no-go areas were put into place. Consultations with local governments and indigenous communities also became a priority. Investigation and findings Oxfam, an international development and humanitarian aid agency with projects in the Philippines was approached by Marinduque community members for help. Oxfam Australia’s Mining Ombudsman took their case and released a report. The report calls on Placer Dome to complete an environmental clean-up, adequately compensate affected communities, and take steps to prevent future disasters. The report updates similar findings made by the United States Geological Survey in July 2004. As of 2005 Placer Dome (which ran the mine at the time of the disaster) was the sixth largest gold mining company in the world and was listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, but it has since been acquired and is no longer an independent company. At the time of the incident Marinduque was identified as among the 44 poorest of the 80 provinces in the Philippines. Inspection of the site has been difficult because the area is off-limits, even to environment and local officials. Legal action and awarding of damages On October 4, 2005, the provincial government of Marinduque sued Marcopper's parent company, Placer Dome, for $100 million in damages. Placer Dome was purchased