Residents of Apex forced to evacuate after a chemical fire have been given an “all-clear” to return by local officials. Apex leaders announced a phased-in plan for evacuated residents to return to their homes.
Town officials want residents to return in an orderly manner to avoid delays and ensure safety.
Commander Larry Cseh (pronounced check) and Dr. Robert L Williams of the Federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reviewed the sampling data by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health (CTEH) group and see no levels exceeding those expected to cause adverse health effects.
Environmental Quality Co. stored a variety of chemicals on the Apex site, including oil- and latex-based paints, household cleaners, detergents and pool chemicals. Concerns about toxic smoke and ash forced the evacuation of surrounding residents. The evacuation area impacted approximately 16,000 residents of Apex. Local officials confirmed that nearly 4,000 people left their homes to seek shelter with friends and family members, in local hotels and at local emergency shelters.
Chemical analyses of the surrounding area Friday detected no toxins at levels sufficient to cause long-term health problems. Air monitoring by the U.S. Environmental Protection agency and private consultants, along with state and local responders found that, except in the immediate vicinity of the facility, concentrations of volatile organic compounds were below any level of concern.
"On-site toxicological testing results do not indicate immediate or long-term risk for Apex residents," said Rick Rowe, Wake County Environmental Services director. "Wake Environmental Services and state agencies will continue to monitor air and water quality conditions in the affected area as an added precaution. I'd like to thank the residents in the evacuation area for their cooperation, patience and understanding during this time of crisis."
Because the chemicals involved in the fire were highly volatile, they quickly dissipated into the atmosphere. There should be no residual chemicals, odors or vapors, officials determined.
Wake County Environmental Services inspection officials are working with N.C. Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (NCDENR) to establish an inspection pattern of commercial kitchens and other regulated facilities, notably childcare facilities, in the evacuation area. Once the evacuation order is lifted, County inspection officials will be working in stages to inspect and clear Apex facilities to re-open for business.
"We want to reassure the public that we don't feel there is a significant health risk of any side effects," said Gibbie Harris, Wake County Community Health director. "However, people in the evacuation area should be alert of symptoms, such as respiratory or breathing problems and unexplained skin irritations or rashes. We advise anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention."
Although it is not necessary, returning residents who have concerns about chemical residue may take the following precautions:
- Shower and wash clothes thoroughly.
- Change heat/air filters.
- Wash bedclothes.
- Wipe or wash counters with water or mild soap.
- Wash children’s toys.
- Wash pet toys and food/water containers, particularly if these items are kept outside. You may also want to bathe your pet.
Packaged food should be free from contamination. Use normal precautions with food left out or unrefrigerated for an extended time. Medicines stored in their original, sealed containers should be fine. Any medications left open or not stored in their original, sealed containers should be discarded.
Wake County and American Red Cross opened two elementary schools as shelters Thursday night where they served an estimated 400 evacuees. These sites were consolidated into a single shelter Friday morning at Green Hope High School, 2500 Carpenter Upchurch Road, Cary, where a total of 142 individuals were served. Other evacuees found other accommodations. Wake Animal Care, Control and Adoption program had also dispatched mobile pet care facilities.