CEBU, Philippines — The smoke from the fire that hit Metro Gaisano at Ayala Center Cebu has become an additional problem to authorities.
As of last night, 23 hours after the fire broke out, the third floor of the building where the fire originated continued to emit thick smoke, which has spread to establishments and residences nearby and triggered trigged coughing and even dizzy spells.
Yesterday morning, the area of the Ayala Business Park where the Metro Gaisano wing is located was engulfed in haze. People working or living at the Cebu Business Park and in nearby areas were advised to wear protective masks to avoid inhaling the harmful smoke.
Nagiel Bañacia, chief of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), also advised the public to stay away from the area.
Health Risks
Dr. Dino Caing, head of the non-communicable disease section of the Department of Health (DOH) - 7, said smoke from a burning building is hazardous, especially to those directly exposed to it.
“Remember, most fatalities are a result of smoke inhalation than actual burns,” he said. He said those most vulnerable to smoke fumes are children, the elderly, and people suffering from pulmonary conditions like asthma.
A person can also acquire pharyngitis, bronchitis, or allergic reaction from inhaling the smoke.
“Because of the smoke you inhale, this will cause irritation and inflammatory reaction to your upper respiratory tract resulting to pharyngitis, bronchitis, etcetera and worst a complete shutdown or blockage of your respiratory passage due to edema that’s asphyxiation,” Caing explained.
He said toxic fumes that include carbon monoxide, cyanide, and among other harmful chemicals are emitted from burning plastic paint insulators like that of cigarette smoke but much worse and more in quantity.
Carbon monoxide is closely associated with urban pollution. It is a temporary atmospheric pollutant in some urban areas that is mainly from the exhaust of internal combustion engines like vehicles, generators, and lawn mowers, among others.
Dr. Shelbay Blanco, cluster head of the Department of Health (DOH) - 7 Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS), said smoke fumes can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and its odor may be nauseating to common people.
He said inhaling carbon monoxide and the other burnt chemicals decreases the body's oxygen supply.
A person exposed to this may suffer from headache or may experience chest pain, respiratory irritation, and shortness of breath.
“But these immediate effects can diminish as soon smoke dissipates,” he said.
Measures
The city’s health department and the Cebu City Medical Center have distributed masks to residents within the 100-meter radius of the fire site.
CCMC Hospital Administrator Kenneth Siasar said it is important to be cautious because no one knows what kind of chemicals was released when the fire broke out.
Siasar said at least 1,000 masks were already distributed to neighboring barangays as of yesterday.
“Hangtod naa pay aso, atong gi-advice-san ang mga residente pinaagi sa atong mga barangay health workers nga mag-mask gyod labi na katong mga dunay sakit sa baga,” he told The FREEMAN.
Firefighters, for one, had to wear breathing apparatus, masks, and other safety equipment to prevent suffocation.
Siasar, a nurse by profession, said the barangay health centers neighboring barangays Lahug, Kamputhaw, Luz, and Mabolo are being open to assist those who will seek medical help because of the smoke.
“Until dili pa gyod clear ang area, continue gyod sa pag gamit sa masks para sa kaayohan gyod na kay toxic ang smoke labi na katong mga hubakon, naay sinusitis, mas maayo nga mangandam na gyod daan,” he said.
The Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (EMB-7) is yet to examine the amount of harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide that has been emitted from the smoke fumes.
Engr. Cindylyn Pepito of EMB-7 Ambient Quality Monitoring Section said the regional office plans to mount its air quality monitoring equipment near the fire scene. (FREEMAN)