The Environment Agency recommends the people who live near the plastic waste sorting facility where a large fire occurred recently to avoid going out or to wear protective masks and avoid exposure on the polluted area if they need to leave home, IPN reports.

“We note that small particles PM10, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and aromatic hydrocarbons that can seriously affect the respiratory system and cause heart and lung diseases are mostly emitted into the atmosphere as a result of plastic waste burning,” said the Agency. It noted that the taken samples will be subject to lab tests and the information about the air pollution level will be made known.

The blaze that started on Uzinelor St in Chisinau on Sunday morning was fully extinguished after 24 hours. During the night the firefighters placed a layer of soil on the affected area. They also used water with foam. According to the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, no one was hurt in the fire.