PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 07, 2011 – RESIDENTS, who live in close proximity to the plastics factory which was gutted by fire on Tuesday, yesterday complained that their lives have been turned into a living hell as toxic fumes and smoke continue to invade their community.
The complaints came one day after the Thermoplas plastic-manufacturing company, in the Trincity Industrial Estate, was gutted by a fire, sending plumes of toxic smoke into the air and in neighbouring Macoya Gardens and surrounding areas. Residents as far as St Augustine have complained of inhaling the toxic fumes.
The Ministry of Health issued an advisory yesterday for people living in immediate areas stating "those who are affected by the smoke fumes should exercise health precautions".
Those who have respiratory disorders are urged to visit their nearest health centre.
According to a handful of Macoya Gardens residents, fire officers were the only persons who visited them and advised them to switch off their air -conditioning units and take certain precautionary measures.
Wendyann Theobald, a resident who has been living in the community for the past 32 years, said that several villagers have complained of feeling unwell after smoke trash bins inhalation. She said residents were not affected on the day of the fire but were concerned that if an explosion occurred, they could be in danger.
Theobald said, "Yesterday (Tuesday) the smoke did not directly affect us. It was just the excitement seeing this building on fire, got us a little bit scared in case any explosion because we know the type of chemicals they were dealing with in the back there, so we were a bit alarmed about that and that was our main concern."
"Nobody came and spoke to us about any possible evacuation after the fire and all the people we saw was a few police and fire service officers. Residents are complaining about feeling sick, not feeling sick as to drop, but headaches, throat aches and feeling dizziness and running eyes.
"We just want something to be done where they could give us a sense of comfort and relief as before (the fire)," Theobald said surrounded by other concerned residents.
She said even though they followed precautions given to them by the fire officers, their lives have been gravely affected since the fire continues to reignite itself, sending smoke into their homes.
Yvonne Stoute, an 80-year-old resident who has been living in the area for the past 38 years, also complained of feeling unwell adding that she has had a sleepless night.
"There was a lot of smoke when I came home yesterday (Tuesday) and it was killing me. I went to bed last night, got up half of the night and it was still terrible this morning I got up and its worst and I can't even talk too much because my throat is hurting. I getting terrible headaches even while I'm talking," Stoute said
"I think they are confusing us up in here because some saying open all windows and doors while some saying keep them closed. We really don't know what to do cause either ways, the smoke still affects you," another resident interjected.
Bertrand Carter said he experienced a shortness of breath and was forced to sleep with his windows and doors opened on Tuesday night. He said factories which contain combustible and highly toxic material should not be too close to residential communities.
Yesterday it was business as usual for several warehouses at the estate while others kept their doors closed and their employees at home until the entire fire is extinguished.
Lots number 31 and 32 at Tissue Drive at the Industrial Estate, which contained the warehouse and plastic factory, were completely gutted and parts of the roof on two of the buildings had collapsed. A third adjacent building belonging to the same company was saved by the efforts of fire officers.
Acting Chief of Fire Services, Nayar Rampersad said the fire was caused by the accumulation of polystyrene and scrap material which sparked up a malfunctioning machine.
Polystyrene is known to contain a few carcinogens which become active when heated. Burning polystyrene also releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, dense smoke, and various hydrocarbons which are toxic. Any person that has come into direct contact with these fumes has also been advised to drink helicop ter technology plenty of milk.
The acting Fire Chief has advised people to "avoid exposure to the toxic environment".
Residents living in surrounding areas are urged to either stay indoors or keep their windows closed and air conditioning switched off. Or to go stay with relatives until the fire is completely put out. He clarified that, " garbage c rc helicopter market place ompactor review The fire is well contained but due to the nature of the combustible material, it reignites itself and keeps generating toxic fumes. It is difficult to say when the fire will completely die down but we 531276856 have minimised the situation". The rain is helping the situation but it also puts up some challenges. Because of the rain the fumes remain suspended in the air instead of diluting away, said Rampersad. He also said that he spoke with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management, to arrange for shelters to relocate the people in the affected areas until the ordeal is over. This could not be confirmed with the ODPM immediately yesterday.
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