Health risks follow SkyCity fire

The SkyCity convention centre fire sent tiny toxic particles into the lungs and blood vessels of Aucklanders exposed to the acrid black smoke, air quality scientists say.

Those experts say the spike in particulate levels in Queen St air – to more than five times national air quality standards – could increase the risk of stroke, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. In the four days after the fire erupted on October 22, 100 people called Healthline following smoke exposure and 35 were referred to their doctor.

Bill Trompetter, a senior scientist at GNS and an air quality specialist, said negative health effects were a risk for some of those exposed to the choking smoke. That was because levels of PM10 airborne particulates (tiny particles less than 10 micrometres across) shot high above the maximum daily average exposure levels. ‘‘You can expect to see health effects in the long term and the short term,’’ he said.

Auckland University research fellow Joel Rindelaub, a specialist in atmospheric chemistry, agreed. A particular worry was the even smaller particles, less than 2.5 micrometres across, which would have been spewed into the air during the blaze, he said. Those particles were small enough to bypass bodily filters and enter the lungs and even the bloodstream, leading to potentially dire consequences, he said.

‘‘The fire particles ... were at extremely high levels, which is a serious concern.’’

Rindelaub said the effect of prolonged exposure was well documented and included stroke, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. The effect of acute, shortterm exposure was less wellknown, he said.

Dr David Sinclair, the medical officer of health for the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, said the SkyCity fire was ‘‘very serious’’ and many people downwind in the central city were potentially exposed to smoke.

The smoke carried a complicated mixture of particles, burnt bitumen, wood smoke, and smoke from other building materials.

‘‘Particle levels measured in Queen St during the fire were over five times above the air quality standard.’’ Most of the effects of the smoke would be expected in the hours and days following exposure, he said.

‘‘The fire particles ... were at extremely high levels, which is a serious concern.’’ Joel Rindelaub Atmospheric chemistry researcher