Locals still getting ill from toxic dust

Governor Suwat Tantipipat will review the complaints of locals and efforts made by provincial and state agencies, including the provincial industrial works chief. Suwat dismissed suggestions that bribes had been paid to allow the ironworks to continue production.

"I don't think there's any irregularity," Suwat said. "But, of course, I want transparency."

The Namheng Steel factory was closed for a period while it carried out work to stop the dust emissions. It is in Tambon Deelang of Phattana Nikhom district. Local people complain it pollutes and subjects them to health risks. Sanom Potirat, a local resident, was diagnosed with emphysema despite never having smoked. He blames iron-dust emissions.

On June 14, the Industrial Works Department ordered it closed for 60 days to effect improvements to its roof and dust-control systems.

The company reported it spent Bt3.35 million on the work and sought permission for a four-day trial run last Thursday. Authorities were to attend and certify the repairs.

Last Friday, the company informed the Lop Buri industrial-works office it would suspend the trial because of electrical malfunction.

But, locals said it did not stop. They saw dust and fumes spewing from the plant at night.

"Seeing this I find it hard to believe officials have not taken bribes," a resident said on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, Siriraj Hospital said Sanom exhibited unusually high levels of iron in his blood.

"It's about 15 per cent higher than normal," Dr Praparn Yongchaiyudh said. However, this alone is not worrying, but further tests are necessary.

Nearby resident Pranom Ruangsri said neighbours were now worried their health might be in danger, too.

Somroutai Sapsomboon

The Nation