FAMILIES are worried about the health risks from a major spillage of diesel which flooded a road near Jidhafs Maternity Hospital. They say the fumes make people feel sick and are worried that pregnant women or newborn children going to and from the maternity hospital could be at risk.
The diesel flowed from a tank at the Jidhafs Environmental Health Centre, opposite the hospital, on December 31 and officials have promised to clean it up by today.
A worker accidentally left a tap open on the tank and the diesel flooded the centre's grounds and the road outside.
But a health official said there was no immediate danger and workers had covered the diesel with sand, so that it could be removed by municipal staff.
Health Ministry public health officer Syed Ahmed Saeed said the mess would be cleared by today.
"The diesel started to flow on December 31, after one of our workers forgot to close the tap of the tank," said Mr Saeed.
"The diesel tank was brought into the centre to mix it with a pesticide, which is used to kill mosquitoes and other insects.
"We have spread sand in the wet areas, so that it can absorb all the diesel and then we can ask the municipality to remove it.
"The reason the diesel spread so widely in the area was because cars were passing through the puddles, spreading it all over the place.
"But the problem will be solved after the holidays and people, who have complained, will be satisfied.
"I can understand their concern, although it's not a very hazardous material."
Mr Saeed said he had made a written report to his seniors, who were working to solve the problem.
But Jidhafs residents said it was affecting their health and could be unsafe for pregnant women, newborn children and other people passing through the area.
"This diesel has been lying there for one week and no-one has bothered to clean up the mess," said a Bahraini man, who didn't wanted to be named.
"I noticed it when I went to drop my wife for her pregnancy check-up. She said she felt like vomiting when she smelled the diesel.
"She also said she was worried about our child's health.
"What I can't understand is, the name of this place is "environmental health centre and after a week the pollutant has still not been cleaned up."
An Indian salesman in a nearby cold store said he had to walk through the area every day and didn't see any authorities showing any interest in the matter..
"They have covered the diesel with sand but we can still smell it," he said.
Any such spillage is a threat to human health, though in this case a limited one, said Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife senior environmental specialist Rehan Ahmed.
People exposed to noxious fumes for a lengthy period of time are likely to develop nausea, vomiting, headaches, itchy eyes and a sore throat, he said.
"They could have reported the incident to us or to the Public Security and traffic police, as this diesel could be dangerous for anybody's health," said Mr Ahmed.
"Fortunately, the toxicity to humans from exposure to oil and especially to "weathered" oil is low.
"The major known potential human health hazard from exposure to crude oil is skin irritation.
"Crude oil contains chemicals that can, in high doses and with prolonged exposure, cause skin cancer.
"While this risk is small, prudent and simple measures such as avoiding direct skin contact and prompt washing of skin and soiled clothing are recommended.
"It could also be a major cause of headache, nausea, vomiting, eye irritation and respiratory difficulties."
aneeqa@gdn.com.bh
