Soot Could Be Biggest Problem for Those Near Fire

Newport Beach residents living near the Hixson Metal Finishing plant could suffer from eye and throat irritation in the aftermath of Sunday’s fire, health officials said Monday, but such ailments are probably caused by soot rather than harmful chemicals.

“After any fire there’s a lot of soot around that can be irritating,” said Dr. Philip Edelman, chief of the toxicology service and poison center at UCI Medical Center. “From what we know of this fire the materials (burned) were very acidic, and for that reason it’s not unlikely . . . that some people may experience a little bit of eye or skin irritation.”

Initial studies by the Air Quality Management District showed that levels of airborne toxic chemicals around the fire site were so low that “there is nothing we should worry about,” he said.

Edelman examined firefighters who were exposed to the greatest levels of smoke from Sunday’s chemical fire, “and most of them showed no symptoms at all. It’s strictly precautionary.”

For those allowed back into their homes after being evacuated, Edelman suggested washing down counter tops and dishes and cleaning clothes to lessen the amount of soot in the air and decrease eye and throat irritation.

If such symptoms persist, he said, people should consult their family doctor. “If there’s any remaining question,” he said, “they can call the poison center ((714) 634-5988) or the Health Department ((714) 834-3131).”