Six years after a chemical fire in Narangba, north of Brisbane, and Queensland Health says there are no significant effects from the event.

But a small amount of a carcinogen was found in one air sample.

Samantha Seljak reports.

TRANSCRIPT

According to a Queensland Health report released last night Narangba residents have nothing to worry about.

A chemical fire in the industrial estate nearly six year ago sparked health concerns from residents.

But the state’s Chief Health Officer says there’s no need for any residents to be alarmed.

Jeannette Young, Queensland Chief Health Officer: “The community can be absolutely reassured that there’s no increase in cancer rates or in overall mortality.”

But locals believe the fall out from the fire has had some long term health implications.

Fran Jell, East Narangba Community Action Group: “Several of them have died of cancer since they left. Now they were people who were long term residents in the area.”

The area surrounding the site is still under lock and key but local residents say they continue to feel the effects.

Fran Jell, East Narangba Community Action Group: “We still have odour problems.”

Some workers in the industrial estate deny there’s been any health risks.

Barry Roper, Wildcat Chemicals: “As far as we were concerned it didn’t really affect us.”

The report found one air sample showed an elevated level of chromium but not enough for concern.

Jeannette Young, Queensland Chief Health Officer: “It would suggest we may see one additional cancer per fifteen thousand people who lived in that community for seventy years and were exposed to that level every day.”

The Queensland Government says the issue has now been put to rest but residents say they’ll continue to monitor their environment for anything out of the ordinary.

Samantha Seljak, QUT News.