Photo: GR Rahul/ Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala health minister Veena George on Tuesday informed that the health survey among the Kochi residents in the wake of the Brahmapuram fire has begun.
The data of 1,576 individuals were collected till 3 pm of the day, the minister informed. As per the survey, breathing trouble, cough and eye-related issues are the common issues faced by the residents, the minister noted.
Meanwhile, a panel has been assigned to study the impact of highly toxic dioxin emissions, among the residents who are likely affected by its inhalation. Authorities concerned are also directed to submit a detailed report on Brahmapuram fire-related health issues in Ernakulam district, she added.
As of Monday evening, 1,249 individuals approached various government health centres and mobile clinics.
Leader of Opposition in the Assembly V D Satheesan sent a letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urging the government to take immediate steps to examine the level of dioxin in the blood of affected people.
The level of dioxin in the blood, milk, and meat of domestic animals in the areas should also be checked with the support of the animal welfare department.
Gas masks (not face masks) should be distributed among people who are living in areas with grave smoke exposure, he added in the letter.
The Congress leader also wanted the government to ensure an expert panel of the World Health Organisation (WHO) visits the affected areas.
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