Weir Road- Wednesday Update 

Schools 

We can now confirm the smoke plumes have cleared, and London Fire Brigade have provided the necessary reassurance around the likelihood of reignition. The latest air quality testing reflects an improvement in the area with air quality returning to acceptable levels. The odour reported by schools is linked to the wet waste rather than air quality. This wet waste will be cleared as soon as possible and removed into a covered area.

In consideration of this, the advice is that schools are able to reopen tomorrow, and we would recommend that buildings are ventilated tomorrow morning to support the return of children and staff. 

Health Advice for residents 

People who are generally fit and well are unlikely to experience long-term health problems from temporary, low-level exposure to smoke. 

In general terms – residents who need to remain in areas affected by smoke for extended periods of time should stay indoors, keep their doors and windows closed as much as possible and limit the amount of time spent outdoors during day-to-day activities. Motorists who have to travel through the area should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed. 

What are the effects of exposure to smoke? 

Smoke can irritate the lining of the air passages (nose, throat and lungs), the skin and the eyes. Symptoms may include coughing and wheezing, feeling short of breath, runny nose or eyes, sore throat or chest pain. In general, exposure to smoke and dust is more likely to affect people who have existing breathing problems, lung or heart conditions (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, chronic pulmonary disease or heart disease). The very young and very old, smokers and people with flu or flu-like illnesses may also be at a greater risk after exposure to smoke.  

People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be particularly susceptible to the smoke and should carry and use their medication (such as inhalers) as usual. If you have any concerns about the impact of smoke and dust on your health, please contact the NHS 111 service (which is free from both landlines and mobiles and open 24/7). 

For more information on Air Quality and Health please visit https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/public-health/climate-change-extreme-weather/air-quality-and-health/