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An air sample analysis by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has determined that very low levels of harmful chemicals were contained in smoke emitted by a trash fire at the Eagle Point Energy Center.
The agency on Wednesday had issued an air quality warning as smoke from the Orrington facility drifted over large swaths of interior and eastern Maine. That air quality warning was lifted Friday, although some outdoor activities had been canceled.
Air-grab samples taken by the DEP showed that the amount of chemicals contained in the smoke was well below toxic levels as determined by toxicology guidelines, according to a Friday evening press release. Benzene, which can cause blood issues and even leukemia after long-term exposure, was most present in those air samples.
At low exposure levels, airborne benzene can cause drowsiness, dizziness, headaches and an irregular heartbeat.
Testing of surrounding areas exposed to the trash fire will continue to undergo testing.
