Uncovering the Aftermath: How the NE Philly Plane Crash Affects Air, Water, and Soil Quality

Last week, a tragic plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia claimed seven lives and injured many others. The impact was severe, creating a large explosion and a deep crater. The fire that resulted burned for hours, damaging cars and homes and briefly affecting the sewer system. Here’s what you should know about the environmental and health effects that followed.

The crash raised immediate concerns about air quality. James Garrow from the city’s Department of Public Health reported that air pollution levels did not reach dangerous levels during the incident. However, smoke from any large fire can pose localized air quality issues. Peter DeCarlo, an air quality researcher at Johns Hopkins, noted that the impact on air quality largely depends on how quickly the smoke disperses.

Fires fueled by materials like jet fuel release harmful substances, including cancer-causing compounds. Arthur Frank, an expert in environmental health at Drexel University, explained that while jet fuel burns cleaner, the materials in homes and vehicles can produce more harmful pollutants. For instance, burning plastics and other common building materials can create tiny particles that may worsen respiratory issues, such as asthma or COPD.

Experts recommend that if you’re near a fire, it’s best to evacuate or stay indoors, turning off ventilation systems until the smoke clears. The danger of smoke exposure depends on proximity and duration of exposure, with wind patterns affecting how quickly polluted air moves away from the source.

Following the crash, Philadelphia’s Air Management Services started monitoring air quality in the area. They deployed a mobile van to track pollutants like particulate matter, benzene, and formaldehyde. Initial samples taken after the fire was under control showed low levels of these harmful compounds, which satisfied safety standards. But experts caution that these readings were taken after the flames were out and may not represent the air quality at the height of the fire.

Monitoring such incidents in real-time is challenging, as emergency responders prioritize saving lives first. The closest air quality monitor was three miles away, primarily tracking ozone levels rather than toxic pollutants.

Despite initial concerns, experts believe that residents in the area do not face lingering health risks from the crash. However, for those living close to fire sites, it’s a good idea to clean surfaces inside their homes after such incidents. This helps reduce any residual contaminants that might remain.