Asbestos contamination: Important health information for residents following fire at Albert Royds Street

Fire at an industrial unit off Albert Royds Street

It is possible that asbestos containing material may have been deposited in ash or debris in the vicinity of the industrial site.

However, this is of no significant health concern as asbestos fibres are held tightly within the body of cement products, such as corrugated roofs.

It is important to realise that the risks to health are low and there is unlikely to be any significant exposure to asbestos following fires involving materials containing asbestos.

While there is no direct evidence of long-term health risks from fires involving asbestos containing materials it is sensible that any asbestos containing debris is removed to minimise any potential exposure.

If you were advised to vacate your property for a time during the fire, this will have been precautionary due to your close proximity to the fire not because of any hazards from asbestos.

The Council is arranging the clean-up of the area. If you find ash or debris from the fire on your property, you are advised to leave it alone and to contact the council on 01706 647474.

If it is absolutely necessary for you to remove debris yourself (e.g. from a car windscreen) first dampen down the debris using water, then either gently flush away small particles to the drain or, wearing protective gloves to prevent scratches, pick up larger pieces carefully.

Place them within two plastic bags, one within the other (double bag), seal the bags and call the number above to arrange collection/take to your local household waste recycling centre (tip). Do not sweep up or vacuum debris as this could create airborne dust.

If you came into contact with the smoke plume this may have caused you to have had breathing difficulties, watery eyes, coughing and a sore throat. If residents experience any symptoms, contact your GP or NHS 111 as appropriate.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/115999/albert-royds-street-closed-trains-cancelled-following-fire-at-industrial-unit