Update on Cornubia warehouse fire
July 19 - Communities in the vicinity of the Cornubia warehouse fire have been understandably anxious to receive more information on the ongoing remediation efforts and the containment of the crop solution products that may have been released into the environment following the arson attack on the building.
Update on Cornubia warehouse fire
July 19 - Communities in the vicinity of the Cornubia warehouse fire have been understandably anxious to receive more information on the ongoing remediation efforts and the containment of the crop solution products that may have been released into the environment following the arson attack on the building.
The fire has been doused but debris continues to smoulder, and parts of the structure have had to be demolished to allow firefighters to safely douse these remaining areas. It is expected that this should be completed by Wednesday 21st July 2021.
UPL today consulted extensively with Dr Gerhard Verdoorn. He was provided with a list of the crop solution products stored in the warehouse, and was requested to provide guidance on the possible health implications posed by the release of these products into the environment.
In his view, there is a minimal risk of any long-terms effects to the health of people exposed to smoke from the warehouse. However, exposure in the short term to some of the chemicals contained in the crop solution products may result in dermal, eye and respiratory irritation.
The situation is being closely monitored and to date, no cases of acute human toxicity have been reported. It needs to be emphasised that a number of the products were bio-stimulants and foliar feeds which are water based, with micro-nutrients and some biological beneficial organisms, and do not represent a health concern.
There were also fungicides and herbicides, most of which were probably destroyed by the extreme heat of the fire and in most cases can be expected to have burned out into the atmosphere.
Some of the herbicides, such as chloroacetamides (for example, acetochlor, S-metalochlor), phenoxycarboxylic acids (2,4-D, MCPA and benzoic acids, or dicamba) may not have burned out completely. Two pyrethroids - alpha-cypermethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin - which are dermal, eye and respiratory tract irritants may have been present in the smoke.
These chemicals were suspended in the atmosphere and have precipitated since the fire, more noticeably during the late night and early hours of the morning, resulting in an acrid smell.
Combined with the smoke inhalation, this may cause drying out of the mucous membranes in the nasal tract and some mild bleeding, especially when blowing the nose.
It may also cause discomfort in the oesophagus and trachea.
However as the fire is been doused, the release of these substances into the atmosphere diminishes.
This can be expected to dissipate rapidly due to normal air movement and precipitation.
It is advisable, however, for people with asthmatic conditions and very young infants to avoid the immediate surroundings of the Cornubia warehouse.
If residents in the area have health concerns they should seek medical advice.
As a precaution, residents who are in contact with the smoke cloud are advised to wear a standard double layer Covid-19-type surgical mask or soft cotton masks to trap particles and fumes. Dry noses should be lubricated with nasal tract remedies that are available from pharmacies or pure petroleum gel (not menthol rubs).
Dry throats can be relieved by flushing with salty water and then gargling with extra virgin olive oil. Dermal and eye irritation, which is likely with the two pyrethroids mentioned above, is best resolved by washing with good soft soap and cold water, after which soothing ointment or even a rub with extra virgin olive oil is advisable.
All residents are cautioned strongly against approaching the warehouse area where the industrial cleaning team is working to clean up the site.
As previously advised, we have experts on site who have contained surface water run off and are in the process investigating and controlling groundwater contamination. This is being done in collaboration with the environmental authorities.
Water and sediment samples are being taken from the beaches that have been closed, as well as the Ohlanga river and uMhlanga lagoon and the public is advised to follow all guidance issued by the authorities in this regard.
ENDS
