CDHB Liquefaction Silt Dust Health Risk Update

CDHB Liquefaction Silt Dust Health Risk Updatee

Officials assure health risks from silt and dust blown around Christchurch following the February 22 earthquake is likely to be low but people should continue treating it as contaminated as an extra precaution.

Christchurch public health staff advise the earthquake generated silt and dust should be treated as potentially contaminated and the usual precautions should apply when dealing with it.

Anyone exposed to the dust should wash and dry hands, use hand sanitiser and wear a mask and eye protection if susceptible to dust.

An Institute of Environmental Science report released after the September 4 Earthquake found there to be a low health risk from dust generated from earthquake liquefaction and sewage contamination following last year’s Christchurch Earthquake. The report found the dust is largely a nuisance. Most of the dust particles are too big to enter the lung, and health effects when people are exposed to similar dusts, even children with asthma, are only very minor

Community Respiratory Physician and Director of the Canterbury Respiratory Research Group Dr Michael Epton says there’s been excessive dust and silt around the city as a result of the liquefaction that rose from the ground after the February 22 earthquake last week.

“We have seen higher levels of air pollution than normal for this time of year, especially over the last two days, where levels have exceeded the WHO guidelines,” Dr Epton says.

This particular dust currently appears no worse than any other wind-blown dust – it’s unpleasant, but not concerning, he says.

“The effects of dust and sand – as opposed to pollution from industry, home heating and cars – lead more to irritation such as cough and nose / eye irritation rather than significant immediate effects on people with respiratory disease.

“So far, we haven’t seen higher levels of illness than would normally be expected at this time of year, both at the after-hours surgeries, but also in terms of hospital admissions. It would seem sensible, though, if you have diseases such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to make sure you are taking your preventer inhalers regularly, and seek medical help if you are developing worsening symptoms.”

A copy of the report Liquefaction Silt - Public Health Risk is available from www.moh.govt.nz.

ENDS

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