Thursday, August 16, 2007
Public Health advice following fire in Seaview
At 12:15 today there was a fire in Seaview . The fire has now been put out. The fire was adjacent to a pellet of granular chlorine. Heat from the fire resulted in the release of some chlorine gas.The gas could be smelt in the area near the fire. The smoke has drifted north and is dispersing.
Schools in the immediate vicinity were advised to stay indoors while the gas could be smelt. The potential effects of inhaling chlorine gas at a low concentration may include cough throat and nasal irritation), wheezing and eye irritation. In addition chlorine may aggravate pre-existing asthma.
The Emergency Department at Hutt Hospital is aware of the situation. There have been no reports of any serious health problems as a result of the fire. Please contact a GP or your local medical centre if you are concerned that you or anyone at your faciltity/ centre may be experiencing some adverse health effects from this event.