Asbestos found in roof of Dundee storage unit which went up in flames

Those living near Baldovie Industrial Estate are being asked to stay indoors and keep their windows shut until the smoke clears.

Fire at Baldovie Industrial Estate
Author: Niall MurrayPublished 9th Jun 2020
Last updated 9th Jun 2020

Residents are being asked to stay indoors - after asbestos was found in the roof of a Dundee storage unit which went up in flames.

Crews were called to the blaze at Baldovie Industrial Estate on Sunday 7th June - and battled the flames overnight.

NHS Tayside's Public Health Team has revealed tests confirmed white asbestos was present in the building's roof.

However, bosses also say the risk to the public is "negligible."

Similarly, it's recommending those living nearby stay indoors and keep their windows closed until the smoke passes, but the risk to them is "extremely low."

A joint investigation into the cause of the blaze on Forties Road, which caused huge plumes of black smoke to be seen across Tayside and Fife, is continuing.

NHS Tayside said: "The public should be reassured that advice from NHS Tayside's Public Health team is that on the basis of international evidence, the risk to human health from large fires involving asbestos is negligible.

"The ongoing risk to the health of the local population and those who were in the vicinity at the time of this fire is extremely low.

"As smoke from fires can irritate the airways, the advice remains that local residents, particularly those with long term health issues or respiratory conditions should stay indoors and keep windows closed until the smoke plume has passed.

"If local residents find any debris or material from the fire in their garden or near their property, as a precaution, the advice is not to touch it and to contact Dundee City Council's Environmental Health team on 01382 433710 for advice."

Road restrictions remain in place around the scene and the Baldovie recycling centre is closed.

Tay News spoke to Claire Anderson who lives near the fire-hit building.

She said: "There were lots of rumours going around about asbestos being linked that building.

"It is quite worrying when you think about asbestos being linked to certain forms of cancer.

"Obviously we're already staying indoors anyway because of the Covid pandemic, but we're very much aware and making sure all the windows are closed just now."

She added: "There's still a lot of smoke and a real strong smell of burning rubber which has been hanging around since the night of the fire.

"It is really strong and it was actually in my house yesterday - the smell of it consumed my living room.

"I think definitely keeping all doors and windows shut are the best thing to do.

"I certainly won't be hanging up my washing any time soon either."

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