Harmful compounds were not found in the Lintuhytti residential area
Samples were taken from the Lintuhytti area after the fire at the Rusko waste treatment plant to study the harmful substances carried to the environment in the smoke. Samples were taken from the sand box of Lintuhytinpuisto Park. Swabs were taken from the outer and inner surfaces of the area's houses. At the same time, reference samples were taken from an area that did not suffer smoke damage.
–We studied the samples with experts from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, their opinion is that the concentrations were low and would not cause any health hazards. We have already provided instructions to clean apartments and replace ventilation filters. These measures will remove any residues from surfaces,” says Health Protection Manager Paula Saxholm from the City of Tampere.
Elevated levels of harmful substances not detected in sand samples
Elevated levels of harmful substances were not found in the sandbox samples taken from Lintuhytinpuisto Park compared to the reference samples. The samples were analysed for PAH compounds, metals, dioxins and furans. These are the substances that are most commonly released into the environment by a fire. The sandbox samples were also compared with concentrations in natural soil that is in accordance with environmental protection legislation and the threshold values for contaminated soil to require cleaning.
The metals and compounds analysed from the Lintuhytinpuisto Park sandbox samples were at the level of natural soil concentrations, and elevated concentrations were not found. However, the sand in the Lintuhytinpuisto Park sandboxes will be replaced due to possible litter.
Swab samples from inside and outside
Slightly higher concentrations of metal and PAH compounds were observed in the external sweep samples taken from Lintuhytti compared to the reference samples. Analysis of PAH concentrations is uncertain, as they are introduced to the air in other ways, such as small-scale wood burning and as traffic emissions. However, the observed concentrations were very low. Metal concentrations were at a normal level compared to background concentrations in soil.
Concentrations in samples taken from house interior walls were lower than those taken from the outside. The observed concentrations were very low and do not increase the amount of harmful substances in the environment or food. Indoors, wood-burning fireplaces and cooking also have an effect on the concentrations of PAH compounds.
