The public relations fallout continues today as chemical company Orica and health officials hit the ground to explain the cause and effects of a chemical spill near Newcastle.
On Monday night a plume of the potentially dangerous Hexavalent Chromian was released from Orica’s Kooragang Island plant and drifted over the suburb of Stockton.
Authorities weren’t notified until Tuesday. Houses in the immediate area were door knocked on Wednesday but a public health warning wasn’t issed until late Thursday
Chromium can be a carcinogen in humans when exposed over repeated and prolonged periods of time.
Orica claims the level of contaminants over the area poses “very little risk to the community”.
Orica has set up a phone number for concerned residents to call, 49089300.
NSW Health advises that people residing in the affected area that has been potentially exposed to the chemical should follow these precautions:
• Wash down outdoor areas that children might come into contact with
• Wash hands with soap and running water for at least 10 seconds after working outside, before eating and before smoking
• Restrict outside exposures, particularly for children
• Do not consume home grown leafy vegetables
• Root vegetables should be thoroughly washed and cooked
• Do not drink water from rainwater tanks
• Drain water from water tanks and containers around the yard
Hello
I am very concerned about the Orica spill as I have two small grandchildren that live in the area. If there is so “little risk” to their health and the health of others in their community, WHY was the spill such a long kept secret?
I think there is probably more to it than meets the eye, and if so, then the company in question should speak up now rather than later and take responsability. I think that having the public relations people working overtime on damage control is to little to late.
Will my granddaughters and their families be fighting another James Hardy case in 30 years?
I am in agreeance with Donna O’Hara and probably a hell of a lot more people directly or indirectly affected by this very dangerous chemical spill. I think that people had the right to know about the spill immediately!!!!! it’s absolutely disgusting to think that peoples lives mean so very little and of such little concern to this company!
What a disgrace, and Barry O’Feral is blaming the previous government for this??! Take some responsibility, time to go Robyn – what a utter shamble.