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ROCKTON, Illinois – Fires are still burning from a Rockton area chemical plant, releasing thick black smoke into the air. While the impact on the environment is not yet clear, many have raised concerns about air quality.
In response to the massive fire, officials cleared a one-mile radius of the fire and required people within three miles of the fire to wear face masks to protect themselves from dangerous chemicals that might be in the air.
“Ground level is fine,” said Rockton Fire Chief Kirk Wilson. “What we are interested in are the particles that might be in the air.”
But Northwestern pulmonologist Dr. Mark Sala says factory-made lubricants likely contain hydrocarbons. Sala says that burning hydrocarbons can pose many other compounds and chemicals that may pose a risk, especially for people with medical problems.
“I think people who have heart and lung conditions like coronary artery disease, COPD or asthma are definitely more at risk of developing severe complications from inhaling something in this area,” Sala said. These individuals may notice symptoms, such as heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, and wheezing. These are the common symptoms.”
Dr. Sala notes that healthy people are at lower risk of complications. He says that the longer a person is exposed to polluted air, the higher the chance of complications.
Meanwhile, air quality monitoring stations have been set up throughout the Rockton area, officials say, to track any other dangerous carcinogens.
There are a number of chemicals [inside the plant]Alicia Tate Nadeau, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) said. “Lead.. is basically antifreeze, nitrogen, sulfuric acid, and a few other things.”
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