Buncefield oil fire: Updated health advice for Hertfordshire residents

The Health Protection Agency has issued the following updated health advice in response to the oil fire near Hemel Hempstead.

Following the extinguishing of the fire, the large plume of smoke which rose above the town is likely to descend over the next few hours, causing soot particles to fall to ground.

The general health advice for people in Hemel Hempstead and other areas close by is that if they see deposits falling to the ground then they should take shelter indoors, keep windows closed and tune into local radio for further updates. Once the air is clear they can return outdoors.

Further to this if people see foam on the ground they shouldn't touch it, but leave it to disintegrate naturally.

Air quality testing has not shown significant pollution from the fire either in the immediate vicinity of Hemel Hempstead or further afield and therefore the risk to health is low, but as a precaution residents are advised to follow this health advice.

Local health services have been on standby but have not seen increased numbers of people suffering from breathing problems, which would be associated with an incident of this kind.

Those most at risk from inhalation of smoke particles are people with existing respiratory problem such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. People in these categories should be especially vigilant. If they see smoke or there are soot particles on windowsills or external surfaces they should stay indoors with windows and doors closed. People in these at risk groups who develop breathing difficulties should contact NHS Direct or their local GP.

For general health advice people should contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

ENDS

More information is available on the Health Protection Agency website at www.hpa.org.uk

Now that the fire appears to be extinguished further updates will only be issued if the situation changes.