2024-04-05 22:27:00
Minister of Industry orders urgent solution to solve the problem “Toxic cadmium waste” found in a factory in Samut Sakhon was only 2,440 tons, from the source amount it was reported to be 15,000 tons to stop moving and return to landfill within 15 days. For the missing parts, we must investigate and find the company that is violating the law. Ordered the establishment of a committee to investigate the facts. Ready to move the industry of Tak Province to the Ministry of Patcharawat to have the Pollution Control Department investigate cadmium contamination in Samut Sakhon. Request urgent results report Concerned about affecting people’s feelings along with instructing officials to go to the area to give advice to villagers Points out that if a factory is found to be committing an offense, it will lead to the seizure of its license.
Later, the Industrial Committee revealed that 15,000 tons of cadmium waste was transported from Tak Province to a factory in Samut Sakhon Province, causing panic and concern among Samut Sakhon residents. Because it is feared that cadmium residue will cause harmful effects to life and the body. If you get a lot of cadmium toxins into your body. May be at risk of cancer and “Itai-Itai disease”
At 11:00 a.m. on April 5, Ms. Pimpattra Wichaikul, Minister of Industry, Mr. Aditat Wasinon, Director-General of the Department of Primary Industries and Mines, Mr. Phon Damtham, Governor of Samut Sakhon Province. and officials of the Department of Industrial Works Inspected J & B Metal Company Limited, No. 132 Moo 2, Soi Kong Phan Phon, Ekachai Road, Bang Chuet Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Sakhon District, Ms. Pimpattra revealed that Ordered to stop actions that violate the law. Do not introduce cadmium residue and zinc residue into the production process. Improve and amend factory registration and prosecute factory registrations according to law. Cadmium waste and zinc waste found in the factory amounted to 2,440 tons. The missing parts are for the Department of Industrial Works to expedite investigation. Ready to order that the waste that was transported to Samut Sakhon Province be brought back to Tak Province urgently within 7 days and to landfill within 15 days. He also ordered all relevant agencies. Accelerate to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Examine the facts of the use of discretion in granting permission to transport waste and report progress periodically. In addition, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry The industry issued an order to transfer industries from Tak province to assist government officials at the Ministry of Industry office.
The Minister of Industry also said that As for the media reporting that there was a company in Tak Province that sold zinc ore and cadmium tailings that were landfilled in Tak Province to a company in Samut Sakhon Province, we would like to clarify that this incident occurred in 2023. The Ministry Industry and Samut Sakhon Province Including relevant agencies meeting to discuss and solve the said problem. and ordered the seizure of cadmium waste and zinc waste Order to stop actions that violate the law Do not introduce cadmium residue and zinc residue into the production process. Improve and amend factory registration and prosecute factory registrations according to law.
Ms. Pimpattra added that From the inspection, it was found that The company received a zinc metallurgy license. License to operate a zinc and cadmium smelting factory Production of galvanized metal rods Zinc alloy, cadmium metal, copper metal production Located in Mueang Tak District, previously requested to cancel the metallurgical operation license. But still retains the license to operate a factory. The mineral waste, which is in the form of metal mixed with cement and firmly bonded together, is buried in a mineral waste storage pond, covered with waterproofing materials and concrete. It complies with measures to prevent and reduce environmental impacts and measures to monitor and monitor environmental quality. Meanwhile, in July 2023, the company moved cadmium waste. Zinc waste leaving the factory is used by factories in Samut Sakhon Province and the waste is transported in big bags from August to the present, totaling 13,450 tons.
The Minister of Industry also said that the Department of Industrial Works and the Samut Sakhon Provincial Industrial Office inspected the factory. It was found that there was an operation that violated the Factory Act of 1992 and its amendments. Therefore, cadmium waste, zinc waste and other parts were seized for inspection to ensure compliance with the law. As for companies in Mueang Tak District, Department of Primary Industries Send officials to inspect together with the Tak Provincial Industrial Office. Collect cadmium residue samples Zinc residue analyzed and ordered the company to stop operating in the area of bringing cadmium and zinc waste out of the factory. Bring it back to operate in accordance with measures to prevent and reduce impacts. environment and measures to monitor environmental quality as specified in the factory operating license conditions as a matter of urgency.
Mr. Phon Damtham, Governor of Samut Sakhon Province, said that in the matter of declaring a disaster Actually, it hasn’t gotten to that point yet. There is only an announcement prohibiting people from entering the storage area, namely the factory area. In the case of factory officials going to work, they must receive permission from Governor regarding contaminants Pol. Lt. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Send Pollution Control Department officials to inspect. No chemical vapors were found in the characteristics of cadmium residue at this time. It is a substance covered with cement. If it is not heated, there will be no evaporation. Therefore, it is guaranteed that Seafood of Samut Sakhon can be eaten. Provincial public health officials came to test the urine of people at work to see whether cadmium was found or not. The results will be out soon.
Ms. Oranuch Mongkolsi, a villager nearby the factory, said she was afraid that disease would follow. I want the relevant agencies to come and fix it. Whichever one is dangerous, the factory has been ordered not to do it and there has been no health check. Only the agency came to clean it. There are sometimes smells. If there are no substances that harm the body, then I feel indifferent. But if it is as reported in the news, which is a substance that is not good for the body, there will be some fear because there are children and grandchildren here.
The aluminum metal business operator in the area said that According to the news that is out right now, it is having an impact on some groups of foundry operators because customers claim that the area where the factory is is a danger zone. There are approximately 40 factories in this area. Customers called to inquire about the situation and were worried about whether there would be moving or trading in the coming days. In the past, this area has not had any issues with cadmium residue. Because the factory has a cadmium detector to give customers peace of mind.
On the same day, Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources, said that after receiving this report Office of Natural Resources and Environment, Samut Sakhon Province We have inspected together with relevant agencies. Initially, there is no information on people affected by cadmium. For cadmium and zinc residue It is currently in a solid and stable state. If kept in a closed place without washing, it will not cause any impact on the environment. and ordered the Pollution Control Department to collect samples Come check for contaminants in the factory, in the air, and in natural water sources. To report the results to the public immediately.
Pol. Gen. Patcharawat also said that in addition, the Pollution Control Department would send officials. Go and give advice to the people in that area on how to live during this time and cooperate with The Governor of Samut Sakhon provided academic advice and consultation and helped oversee the transportation and storage of cadmium. A working group of the Ministry of Natural Resources will be established. Take care of this matter until the situation is resolved. both to the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning Inspect the smelting plant to see if it has prepared an EIA and complied with the specified EIA measures or not. If checked, it is found that the environment has contaminants. To take legal action. Including rehabilitation costs, the company must be responsible according to the polluter principle. Or the business license may have to be seized from the granting agency.
Lt. Col. Kannanat Phonnipatkul, Assistant Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Army (RTA), said that Gen. Charoenchai Hinthao, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army and Director of the Royal Thai Army Disaster Mitigation Center. Has been following the situation and is concerned about the people in the area. By ordering the Disaster Mitigation Center Department of Army Science and disaster relief center The 1st Communications Regiment is prepared to provide assistance immediately when coordinated. by the Royal Thai Army Science Department Prepare personnel for science operations Complete with chemical protection suit and chemical-biological protection masks Including chemical-biological-radiological-nuclear measuring equipment (CHC) to evaluate and inspect chemicals to control them within a limited area, reducing spread to nearby areas and the 1st Communications Regiment, unit responsible for the area. Samut Sakhon Province prepares personnel, equipment, and vehicles to facilitate moving people to safety. Government agencies, the private sector, and the public need help. Contact the Royal Thai Army Disaster Relief Center. Tel. 0-2297-7648-9, 0-2280-3977
Dr. Natthaphong Wongwiwat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, revealed that It has been given to public health in the area to take care of the people and provide accurate health care information. As for the dangers of cadmium, it can enter the body in two main ways: through breathing in cadmium fumes or dust. and orally from consuming food contaminated with cadmium. Cadmium poisoning besides causing harm to the kidneys and bones. It is also a substance that can cause cancer. It also has a part that causes symptoms of diabetes. High blood pressure and heart disease have also increased.
Dr. Surawit Sakdanupap, Public Health Doctor of Samut Sakhon Province Said that from April 4, the Provincial Public Health Department in collaboration with Samut Sakhon Hospital went to check the health of 11 employees of the aforementioned company. Initially, no abnormal symptoms were found. As for the urine contamination test results, you will have to wait 3-5 days for the results. We have coordinated and communicated to the public to understand in order to alleviate concerns. If acute poisoning is received in large quantities in a short time You may have chest tightness, heart palpitations, nausea, and vomiting. Some people may have brain, muscle, bone, and joint symptoms, but you don’t want to worry. Because such substances are currently within a limited range in the bag. It has not been processed. As far as we know, this substance has only been found in areas inside the factory. Outside the factory, it has not yet been found.
Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, posted a message via personal social media that The storage of cadmium tailings must be carried out in accordance with the Environmental Protection and Mitigation (EIA) measures. I have ordered that Minister of Industry visits Samut Sakhon area To supervise the speedy enforcement of the law and put in place measures to control dangerous substances so that something like this doesn’t happen again.
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