Smoke from Peat Fire Could Pose Health Concerns in Craven County
RALEIGH -- People who live near a smoldering peat fire in southeastern Craven County should take precautions to avoid breathing the smoke, state health and air quality officials said today.
Smoke from the peat fire could contain harmful levels of air pollutants, particularly carbon monoxide, which can pose a health hazard at high enough levels. Groups who are particularly sensitive to carbon monoxide pollution include people with angina, heart disease, pregnant women, developing fetuses, and those who exercise outdoors.
“We are asking people who live near this fire to stay inside as much as possible and to avoid strenuous outdoor activities,” said Dr. Luanne Williams, a toxicologist with the N.C. Division of Public Health. “Nearby residents -- particularly sensitive groups -- should consult their physicians if they experience symptoms such as unusual headaches, dizziness, weakness, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, confusion or disorientation.”
People who are sensitive to air pollution may want to obtain a carbon monoxide monitor, which can be found at some hardware and home supply stores. The monitors contain alarms that go off when carbon monoxide reaches potentially harmful levels.
The fire is located on a farm next to the Fairfield Harbour subdivision, off Broad Creek Road (S.R. 1600) about 5 miles southeast of New Bern. The fire started last week when peat soils caught on fire while a farmer was burning off a field; the farmer had obtained a burning permit from a local forest agent.
Peat fires are very difficult to put out because dry peat tends to repel water. Such fires can smolder for weeks unless it rains.
“We are closely monitoring this situation,” said Wayne McDevitt, secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “We are working with local authorities to ensure the protection of public health and safety.”
The state Division of Air Quality is setting up continuous monitors near the site to measure carbon monoxide and particulate (dust) levels in the air. The division will use the information to determine whether carbon monoxide or dust levels are above air quality standards.
For more information, contact the Environmental Health Division of the Craven County Health Department at (252) 636-4920, or Dr. Luanne Williams of the state Division of Public Health at (919) 715-6429.
# # #
Date Posted: 11/03/98
Return to Press Release Page.