Toxic flood worries in industrial Prachin Buri

PRACHIN BURI - Flooding in this eastern industrial province has raised concerns beyond the natural disaster itself, centred on contaminants from factory waste mixing with floodwater and posing a risk to people's lives.

The area of greatest concern is Si Maha Phot district, which has many waste-sorting, recycling and landfill facilities, according to Dr Thiti Sawaengtham, director-general of the Department of Health.

Concerns arose after stagnant floodwater across a wide area was found to emit foul odours and display a rainbow-coloured sheen on its surface, believed to have come from flood runoff from factories and industrial waste landfill sites, Dr Thiti said.

He warned that contaminants carried by the water were highly toxic and could pollute household water supplies, soil and air, posing both immediate and long-term health risks.

Hazardous substances requiring close monitoring include used lubricating oil and solvents, which are believed to be the source of the rainbow-coloured sheen and strong smell. They often contain volatile organic compounds such as benzene and toluene, which can cause cancer and damage the central nervous system, the health department chief said.

Other substances of concern include heavy metals from electronic waste, such as cadmium, lead, mercury and chromium, as well as acidic and alkaline corrosive chemicals. These contaminants can accumulate in soil, water systems and the food chain. (continues below)

(Photo: Prachin Buri Public Relations)

The Department of Health and the Prachin Buri Provincial Public Health Office have formed  mobile medical teams to provide immediate health screening and treatment for affected residents.

Residents were advised to avoid direct contact with floodwater, not use it for household consumption and to wear face masks in areas where strong odours are present.

Addressing the issue requires close coordination among multiple agencies. The Department of Industrial Works is responsible for enforcing laws governing factory operations, and the Pollution Control Department is responsible for monitoring contamination and pollution levels in water sources.

On Monday, water levels in the Prachin Buri River in Kabin Buri, Si Maha Phot and Muang districts showed a declining trend and rainfall had eased. However, the impact of earlier river overflows remained widespread.

Disaster zones have been declared in seven districts, affecting 55,286 households. Nine people have died, either by drowning or electrocution.