No contamination has been detected in the air or water near a fireworks factory that exploded recently in Suphan Buri, according to the third and latest assessment, the Department of Health confirmed on Thursday.
A Special Environmental Health Response Team (SehRT) was assigned to work with local authorities to assess the area surrounding the factory, which exploded on Jan 17, killing 23 workers.
The assessment included collecting samples of local water sources and community tap water in the surrounding areas to test for any contamination, as well as conducting a study of the impact on people's health from what transpired.
According to Dr Achara Nithiaphinyasakul, director-general of the Department of Health, the test results from water samples showed no contamination by the components in fireworks such as nitrite, lead or cadmium. As such, the community tap water and water sources around the factory are safe for public consumption, she said.
The air in the community also contained no factors related to the incident that posed any respiratory risks, she added.
Dr Achara also noted that no locals are believed to be suffering from long-lasting hearing problems due to the noise of the blast.
Even though the area surrounding the factory is now safe, Dr Atthapol Kaewsamrit, the department's deputy director-general, said the SehRT will keep inspecting it for the next three months.
He said the department has been working with local authorities to review the safety measures and regulations for factories that may cause health hazards to the community.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong said the ministry will pay 4.44 million baht in compensation to the families of the 22 deceased workers.
The compensation, 200,000 baht for each family, was calculated by the Damages for the Injured Person and Compensations and Expenses for the Accused in the Criminal Case Act, BE 2544 (2001).
Compensation for the factory owner's family, however, has been put on hold as the minist
Local authorities investigated seven licensed fireworks factories on Thursry is waiting for the results of further investigation, said Pol Col Tawee.