PUBLIC Health England (PHE) say precautions need to be taken when clearing debris from the factory fire at Leeson Polyurethanes in Leamington on Friday.
A Warwickshire Police spokesperson said: “Although toxins or contaminates from plastics should have been eliminated as they burnt, PHE have cautioned that any particles, ash and soot included, can possibly be an irritant. Therefore precautions should still be taken when dealing with soot and debris.
PHE’s advice is to:
* Remove small areas of fine debris/soot wearing rubber gloves, wiping the surface first with a dry cloth. A damp cloth can then be used to remove any remaining remnants. The waste, including gloves, should then be bagged and binned in the normal way. Hands should be washed with soap and water.
* Care should be taken when clearing large and sharp debris. Wear rubber gloves and bag and bin the waste as above.
* Soot can be safely washed off vehicles and outdoor furniture by using a fine water spray.
* Fruits and vegetables grown in the garden should be washed and peeled before they are consumed.
PHE do not expect there to be a significant risk from short-term contact with soot in gardens.
Warwick District Council is coordinating the clean-up of the area. Visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/site/ for further information or email questions to [email protected]
