The health hazards hidden behind the plastic and chemical factory fire incident in Rayong province.
A fire broke out at a plastics and chemicals factory in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong Province. Academics are concerned that those exposed to the smoke may be exposed to carcinogens and at risk of liver cancer. People living nearby should stay at least 3 km away from the factory.
On September 22, 2014, a fire broke out inside Building 4 of Thai Plastic and Chemicals Public Company Limited in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Mueang District, Rayong Province. Officials rushed to mobilize fire engines to put out the fire. It took officials 30 minutes to control the fire from spreading.
The plastics and chemicals company has announced that a leakage of raw materials was found in the PVC production process, causing a fire and smoke. The company was able to control the situation and initially there were no injuries or deaths. After the fire, the company notified the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate Office to immediately evacuate people in the radius of the smoke.
Dr. Sonthi Kotchawat, an expert in environment and health from the Environmental Academic Club, posted on his Facebook page “Sonthi Kotchawat” that a fire at a plastic and chemical factory in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong Province, had created a large amount of white and black smoke. The smoke was blown to the Map Ta Phut Market, Ban Plong Community, and the Muslim Community. Dr. Sonthi Kotchawat gave the following advice:
1. Avoid exposure to such smoke and fumes because they are carcinogenic. Evacuate the factory at least 3 km.
2.VCM or Vinyl Chloride Monomer (Vinyl Chloride Monomer; Ethylene Monochloride; Monochloroethylene) is used to produce plastic pellets. It is a colorless gas, highly flammable gas, classified as a carcinogen, and is stored as a liquid under pressure. When combined with air in the right proportion, VCM vapors can explode by releasing chlorine, which is very dangerous to health.
If inhaled, it causes severe health effects. It is toxic to the nervous system, harmful to the blood vessel system, skin, bones, and liver. The poison is acute. When exposed to high concentrations, it causes dizziness, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, loss of balance, and blurred hearing and vision. If exposed to very high concentrations, it can cause unconsciousness and death.
3.Vinyl Chloride is a colorless gas that is easily ignited and evaporates quickly. It is mostly used in the production of polyvinyl chloride or PVC, which is used to make plastic products. Various types of containers, such as pipes, electrical wires, and packaging materials, etc. In the event of a large fire, water spray or water fog cannot be used. Do not spray water directly into the chemical storage tank. To extinguish the fire, only foam or carbon dioxide must be used.
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