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
-
Weather Alert: Tornado Watch issued for several Indiana counties
A tornado watch was issued until 3 a.m. EDT Saturday counties northwest of Indianapolis and into Illinois.
Bob Kevoian, 'The Bob & Tom Show' host, dies after battle with cancer
Bob Kevoian, the former co-host of “The Bob & Tom Show,” died Friday afternoon after a battle with gastric cancer, the radio program announced on social media. He was 75.
Woman arrested after Indiana Silver Alert issued for her disappearance
A 40-year-old Terre Haute woman who was the subject of an Indiana Silver Alert issued Thursday night was arrested Friday afternoon and put into the Vigo County jail.
Shooting suspect identified as body found in Lafayette
Lafayette Police said a body was found in the area of 7000 East/Country Road 900 South in Lafayette at around 11 a.m.
