Frequently asked questions fire landfill Selibon

It is always important to minimize smoke inhalation, as smoke is toxic. However, occasional exposure usually does not lead to serious long-term effects. The health impact depends mainly on how much smoke you inhale and how often or how long you are exposed. If you develop persistent respiratory issues, a sore throat, itchy eyes, or headaches after breathing in smoke, contact your doctor to be on the safe side.

This incident involved plastic waste, which likely released dioxins.

People outside the evacuation zone may also have been affected by the smoke. Smoke contains many harmful substances, including dioxins. However, dioxins are not easily absorbed through inhalation.

“Dioxins” is a collective term for a few hundred different substances, seventeen of which are considered significant. Dioxins are formed during events such as forest fires, volcanic eruptions and waste incineration, as well as by road traffic.

No, it depends on the type of material being burned. Dioxins are released when chlorine-based products, such as PVC, are burned. The amount and type of dioxins produced also depend on the specific material and the combustion temperature. At very high temperatures (above 800°C), dioxins that are formed can even break down.

Dioxins cannot be seen with the naked eye. They are also odorless, tasteless, and colorless.

Dioxins accumulate in the fatty tissue of animals. People primarily absorb them by consuming animal fats, meat, eggs, milk, and (fatty) fish. Dioxins are not absorbed through the skin and are only absorbed to a very limited extent through inhalation.

Long-term ingestion of dioxins can weaken the immune system, reduce fertility, and increase the risk of cancer. Daily intake of low levels can gradually lead to higher concentrations in the body and cause harmful effects. The main concern is long-term increased exposure through food. Depending on the weather—such as rain and wind—dioxins can also be dispersed or washed away from the environment.

Dioxins can settle on fruit and vegetables in the days following a fire. For this reason, it is not recommended to eat unwashed produce from the affected area. If you do choose to eat fruit or vegetables from your garden, it is important to peel and wash them thoroughly. Since any consumption is likely to be short-term, the health risk remains limited.

Chickens and goats that roam freely in the affected area can ingest dioxins by eating soil or plants on which dioxins have settled. These dioxins can then accumulate in their eggs and meat and eating such products may lead to increased dioxin intake over time. The current recommendation is to avoid eating eggs and meat from animals in the affected area for the time being. Allow chickens to range only on clean soil to prevent new dioxins from ending up in the eggs.

• PG informs the public about the effects of the fire and smoke through this website.
• PG advises the Executive Council and the authorities and collaborates with other government agencies and health institutions.
• PG supports healthcare organizations in informing the public.
• PG gathers information about the health effects of this fire on residents and coordinates with medical advisors on hazardous substances and environmental health experts from outside Bonaire.
• PG uses signals from healthcare organizations to monitor health complaints related to the fire. Data on the effects is collected in collaboration with the hospital and general practitioners.

• PG is not a healthcare provider and is therefore not the point of contact for residents with health complaints.
• PG does not offer individual medical advice, medication, or care.
• Residents of Bonaire who need medical care or personal health advice should contact their family doctor or, during evenings and weekends, the out-of-hours medical service.