The site of fire ravaged Central Medical Stores is now a dangerous health hazard, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned.

GH₵ 237 million worth of chemicals and supplies have been destroyed by the fire; creating fumes which are dangerous if inhaled.

Some residents living close the enclave surrounding the site complain that the chemical infused smoke is irritating their eyes. They also report of intermittent coughing and pain in their chests.

One resident speaking to JoyNews also reports he is coughing blood.

Tema area head of the environmental protection agency, Ebenezer Fiagbe warned that the materials destroyed in the fire may cause harm to people living in the area.  

He indicated that with the harmattan already having visibility and health impacts, there has been an increase in respiratory tract infections.

Mr Fiagbe told Joy News that “with so much smoke and burnt items going up into the atmosphere… the Tema Metropolis will suffer severe health impact as a result of this unfortunate incident.”

Mr Fiagbe warned that persons with asthma, who are already struggling with the harmattan dust would be most affected by the disaster.

He however called for calm, stating that there was no need to relocate the residents at the moment, as the immediate danger was over.

“As a result of the dispersion of the smoke…I think a lot of dispersion has taken place. For now, the air quality is near normal or already normal” he stated, “I will not recommend that we relocate anybody”.

Mr Fiagbe assured the public that the EPA always ensures that warehouses are permitted, adding that safety inspections are conducted.

He conceded however that efforts need to be stepped up and suggested that the way forward is for the EPA and fire service to “intensify warehouse inspection”.

The warehouse stocked drugs and equipment supplies for distribution all over the country. 

Not a moment’s rest.

Exhausted firefighters have been battling the most dangerous fire disaster to befall the country for 32 hours.

The health ministry earlier today issued a directive pulling fire-fighters from the scene over safety concerns, as they had run out of oxygen for their oxygen tanks.