City considering all health risks around Athlone towers demolition

The Environmental Health Section of the City's Health Directorate has reviewed the Contractors Environmental Management Plan, including a Specialist Dust, Noise and Vibration Plan, regarding the possible health risks that the implosion of the two Athlone towers on 22 August may hold, and have called for various mitigation measures to be implemented to minimise these risks. Possible risks include noise pollution, as well as large amounts of dust that can pose a risk to especially those who have chronic lung and heart conditions.

Dr. Ivan Bromfield, Executive Director: City Health, said: "The City is taking all necessary precautions to ensure that the demolition of the towers does not have an adverse effect on the residents of surrounding communities and on those watching the historic event. We also want to encourage the public to follow the guidelines we have provided in order to ensure that they observe the demolition of the towers in a safe environment and that those with medical conditions will not be exposed to the possible health risks."

Since February 2010 when it was decided that the towers must be demolished, many people raised concerns about the presence of asbestos in the towers which could pose a health risk when the towers are imploded. This issue was also a concern for City Health as the presence of asbestos in the towers would lead to the distribution of wind-blown asbestos dust, during and after the implosion. The City therefore asked an accredited inspection authority to determine whether there is asbestos on the site, and is pleased to report that the inspection authority has issued a certificate to confirm that the site is asbestos free. This will therefore not pose a health risk during the demolition of the towers.

The most obvious contributor to pollution during the implosion will be dust, as it is inevitable that dust will be generated when the concrete towers are imploded. The inhalation of dust particles may be dangerous for people in close proximity to the demolition site. Dust particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter can be breathed into the lungs. When the acceptable threshold of these fine dusts is exceeded, it may pose health risks to people.

In order to minimise the amount of dust generated by the implosion and the related health risk, the contractors appointed a Specialist Consultant to determine which mitigation steps could be taken. One of these steps entails dampening the towers by spraying water onto them prior to and during the implosion. In this respect, rain on the demolition day will be beneficial as it will greatly reduce the amount of dust generated by the implosion.

The City will do its best to minimize the amount of dust generated by the implosion, but will be grateful if residents in the surrounding areas of Langa, Athlone and Pinelands, who live in close proximity to the towers, make personal efforts to reduce the dust impact on their own health. Residents in these areas are advised to take precautionary measures on the day to ensure that the insides of their houses will not be covered in dust. All windows should be kept closed during the implosion and for at least two hours afterwards. Residents are also advised to not leave items such as washing outside during this period.

Those living in these areas who suffer from asthma or lung or heart conditions are advised to stay indoors during the implosion and for at least two hours afterwards, to ensure they are not at risk for dust inhalation. Asthma sufferers should also keep their asthma pumps close by during this period in case of any emergency.

After the implosion, the site, as well as the surrounding roads, will be sprayed with water to settle the dust generated by the demolition.

The City would also like to warn the public that noise impact from the demolition is unavoidable and residents need to be prepared for this. The contractor is in the process of applying for noise exemption from the City for the implosion, as required by the Noise Control Regulations. The contractor will also need to do test-explosions prior to the actual demolition and dates and times of these will be communicated to the public in due course. Pet owners are advised to keep their pets indoors at the time of the explosion, or if they are aware that their pets respond negatively to loud noises, they should approach their vet for advice.

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