Garbage fire toxic smoke levels falling Health Minister
The levels of toxic smoke coming from the garbage dump fire at Cerro Patacón have diminished according to Panama’s Minister of Health
On Monday, March 25, Javier Díaz said that the number of toxic particles in the environment are within levels that are "near-normal."
He said that officials have been monitoring the smoke since the fire began Tuesday, March 19 . Due to the decrease in toxic particles, there will be no evacuations of the area around the landfill.
"The 41 health institutions have not recommended evacuations. This has been done in a transparent manner and the recommendations that should be followed are those that have already been given," the minister said.
However, Díaz suggested that schools near the landfill that have resumed classes should send students home if smoke is still detected.