Lida dwellers are asked to take activated carbon after fire at paintwork plant
Let us remind you that the fire at the paintwork plant “Lakafarba” started on the morning of February 14. There were about 200 people working there at that moment.
The Emergency Control Ministry reported that three out of eight plant condensers
were on fire at the phthalic anhydride production department (one of the
plant’s paint storehouses).
Yesterday firemen reported that the fire was soon localized and there were no
victims. They also added that the materials used at the plant were not
dangerous for humans.
Nevertheless, there was no information about whether the fire was extinguished
(not only localized) till afternoon. “If they hadn’t managed to localize the
fire it could have led to a great explosion which would cause unpredictable
consequences”, - reports ONT referring to the Emergency Control Ministry.
According to bizlida.by, people have started complaining about headaches
and dizziness. Journalists who arrived to take photos of the scene of action
had a tickle in the throat. The local radio asked people not to stay in the
open air without necessity.
Kindergartens confirmed that children were not taken for a walk yesterday and
added that it was a parents’ initiative. Today kids are playing in the open air
again.
Anton Andreeu, a photographer,
informed ERB:
“I approached the workshop where the fire had been localized at about 1 p.m. I could not see any fire, only a small stream of smoke. But you could smell the fire even in the centre of the town. The smell was disgusting. I had a headache and a tickle in my throat for several hours after having taken pictures”.
ERB DOSSIER
WHY IS PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE DANGEROUS?
Phthalic anhydride’s vapour and dust irritate the mucous tunic of eyes and upper airways. Red spots and sometimes swellings resembling burns appear on the skin.
Photo by www.lida.info
