PLAINFIELD — The Environmental Protection Agency has released a nearly 900 page report about the March 16 Walmart warehouse fire.
Air monitoring and sampling, as well as fire ash debris samples, were taken and analyzed in the days after the fire.
The EPA's field monitoring measurements found levels of particulate matter (PM) above screening levels in the area where residents were encouraged to shelter in place. Fire ash and debris were generated for miles.
PM, a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air, can cause serious health problems.
Asbestos was not detected in the EPA samples, but the amount of benzene and arsenic found in samples exceeded the regional screening levels (RSL). Additionally, the report limit for 1,2-Dibromo 3-Chloropropane and thallium were above the EPA's removal management levels (RML) and regional screening levels (RSL).
"Concentrations EPA detected at Plainfield Warehouse Fire are not expected to result in adverse health effects for short exposure durations, such as a fire lasting several days," the EPA's website said.
The EPA says these volatile organic compounds (VOC) were located through sampling and lab analysis:
- Propene
- Dichlorodifluoromethane
- Chloromethane
- Ethanol
- Acetone
- Trichlorofluoromethane
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- n-Hexane
- Benzene
- Carbon Tetrachloride
- Toluene
- Tetrachloroethene
- m,p-Xylenes
To read the full EPA report, click here.
In March, Walmart announced the entire facility would close because of the extent of the damage.
PREVIOUS: Walmart Distribution Fire: Why you should stay indoors, keep away from debris from Plainfield fire | PHOTOS: Plainfield Walmart Distribution Center Fire | Walmart extends disaster benefits to employees at IND1 Fulfillment Center in Plainfield | ATF begins on-site investigation into Walmart facility fire in Plainfield
-
Conference in Indianapolis preparing superintendents of the future
One group is working to encourage more educators of color to pursue leadership roles, including the top position in school districts.
38th Street Renaissance Project revitalizing East side corridor
New Direction Church and National Bank of Indianapolis are revitalizing East 38th Street, creating jobs and helping residents become homeowners through the 38th Street Renaissance Project.
Hoosiers face mounting medical debt reaching thousands of dollars
Bearing the burden of medical debt impacts many Hoosier families. In our state, there’s an estimated $2.2 billion of medical debt in collections.
Council approves Sept. 22 public hearing on Google data center fate
Monday night, all 25 City-County Council members voted to approve a public hearing on the proposed Franklin Township Google Data Center for September 22 after a packed meeting.
