Landfill fire: Toxic smog fears
Harmful pollutants were again above safety levels in areas surrounding the Samut Prakan landfill fire yesterday and authorities fear changes in wind direction could make the situation worse.
Harmful pollutants were again above safety levels in areas surrounding the Samut Prakan landfill fire yesterday and authorities fear changes in wind direction could make the situation worse.
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This woman and her dog probably shouldn't have been out in the open air near the landfill fire yesterday as toxic particles reached dangerous levels. Photos by Somchai Poomlard.
12:20
Thai PBS, reporting from the scene a few minutes ago, says that firefighters have now confined the blaze to 20 percent of the landfill site, but heavy smoke continues to plague the area. The Bangkok Metropolitan Authority has installed a large number of large hoses that are spraying the area to help prevent the smoke from spreading. Shifting winds, however, are hindering efforts to keep the smoke out of residential areas.
A satellite photo taken on March 18 shows the smoke spreading north at least 20 kilometres.
Fears mount over toxic smog spread
Hundreds refuse to evacuate near dump
POST REPORTERS
Hundreds of residents refused to evacuate from their homes following the spread of toxic smog from the fire-gutted Samut Prakan landfill, prompting concern from the Public Health Ministry.
The underground blaze at the fire site continues to burn, throwing out huge clouds of toxic smoke.
The fires burn mostly underground and have proved largely impervious to traditional fire-fighting methods, including water drops by helicopter.
Health authorities also fear more people will be badly affected by harmful air pollutants if the wind direction changes southward to the Bangpoo Industrial Estate.
Samut Prakan public health office deputy chief Namphon Daenpipat yesterday said there has been growing concern that the wind direction, if it changes toward the Bangpoo Industrial Estate, would put many people’s health at risk as there were many large communities around that area.
Emergency shelters at Phraeksa Tambon Administration Organisation (TAO) office and Wat Phraeksa may have to be relocated as toxic gases are likely to spread over the area, said Dr Namphon.
A woman cares for her child at an emergency centre.
According to Dr Namphon, the level of sulphur dioxide in a 500m radius from the landfill was at 5-8 parts per million (ppm) which is considered harmful for health. The standard safety level is below 0.12 ppm. As a result, the 500m radius area has been classified as a red zone from which all residents must be evacuated.
However, only about 200 of the 500 residents agreed to move.
The remaining residents were reluctant to leave, particularly those at Thanyaporn and Sahakorn housing estates.
A health official at Samut Prakan Hospital drops saline solution into the eye of a resident affected by toxic fumes emitted from the Samut Prakan landfill fire.
Prapat Chobson, chief Administrator of the Phraeksa TAO, said all residents within a 200m radius have evacuated but those in areas further out hesitated because they were concerned about their belongings at home. Some residents felt the problem has eased.
Mr Prapat confirmed the situation has improved since the fire was brought under control.
Department of Pollution Control (DPC) director-general Wichian Jungrungruang said the level of small dust particles in areas near the landfill was still high at 350 ppm, exceeding health standards.
Mr Wichian said the level of dust particles within a 1.5km radius of the landfill had been measured at only 22 ppm yesterday morning before increasing to 350 ppm.
This showed that wind direction was a crucial factor causing dust particle levels to rise rapidly, he added.
Permanent secretary for public health Narong Sahamethapat said three groups of people are being monitored by the ministry.
The first group comprises those who had direct contact with toxic fumes. They included firemen, reporters, motorcycle taxi drivers, volunteers, security guards and soldiers. This group, numbering about 500 people, would be asked to undergo health check-ups at Samut Prakan Hospital. Their blood, urine and lung function would be checked, said Dr Narong.
The second group comprises those at moderate risk or residents living within a 200m radius of the landfill. They would be asked to undergo health check-ups.
The third group consists of those who live beyond a 200m radius of the landfill.
You can find our previous coverage and many photos here: http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/400425/battle-to-put-out-landfill-fire ; http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/400267/dump-fire-lights-samut-prakan-skies
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