Low Risk To Public Health From Southdown Freezing Works Fire

Auckland Medical Officer of Health, Dr Andrew Lindsay, says the risks to the public remains low from last night’s fire at the Southdown freezing works site.

The fire, at the old Southdown freezing works on Hugo Johnston Drive in the Auckland suburb of Penrose, began about 8.10pm last night and Auckland Regional Public Health officers attended the site for risk assessment.

”We know the building has materials containing asbestos. We are conducting environmental tests this morning to assess the risk to populated areas,” says Dr Lindsay.

“It was fortunate the wind direction during the height of the fire was toward the Manukau harbour away from residential areas.”

Dr Lindsay says that monitoring of the fire perimeter will continue until the fire is extinguished.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service advises that people in the affected area should avoid inhaling dust or debris from the fire. If in the path of smoke from the fire they should stay indoors, keeping their windows and doors shut

Although risk of exposure to asbestos remains low, people may react to smoke and dust with a cough and sore throat, or by a worsening of asthma. . If they experience any health issues they should see their own doctor or an emergency department.

ENDS

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