Boy develops eye infection

VISHNU BIRBAL has developed an eye infection, and doctors believe constant exposure to chemical gases emanating from the burnt-out chemical storage facility at Cuchawan Trace, Penal, is the cause. The five-year-old boy, who also suffers skin irritation and a persistent flu, lives mere feet away from the factory which burnt on March 19. Yesterday, a number of residents living in close proximity to the burnt-out factory complained to Newsday of skin and eye irritation. The factory manufactured thinners and various types of washing liquids. Strong winds blowing in the direction of residents’ homes have contaminated the air with gaseous fumes. “We actually feel and smell it,” resident Thackdoor Sammy said.

Vishnu’s mother Ester Birbal, 30, said she took her son to the Penal Health Centre when a bump-like swelling developed on his right eyelid. His skin itched and doctors at the Penal Health Centre concluded that Vishnu may have been exposed to a small, but dangerous level of toxic gas in the atmosphere. Birbal said her eight-month-old son, Vishal, also suffers from an eye irritation. “He is always coughing, especially when the wind blowing hard,” Birbal said. Parliamentary representative for the area, Dr Roodal Moonilal, yesterday said that on visiting the site, he discovered ashes and rubble exposed to the elements. A report has been made to the Environmental Management Authority, he said, as well as the Fire Services. “After 25 days since the fire, the drums which stored chemicals are still lying on the ground,” Moonilal said.