Residents in Goose Creek have been troubled by a white powder, alumina dust, in the air, which has covered their belongings and posed breathing difficulties.
Health and environmental experts recently addressed the concerns and outlined a plan to resolve the issue in a meeting with Goose Creek residents. Representatives from Century Aluminium and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) also answered questions.
Some residents sought transparency regarding the matter. The plant manager at Century Aluminium, Dennis Harbath, expressed regret for the issue, assured residents that they would address it, and explained that the alumina dust release occurred due to bag failures. They are replacing the failed bags and expect the issue to be resolved within 10 days.
DHEC is monitoring specific aluminium oxide particles that can be inhaled and impact the lungs, using air sensors to measure the levels, which have thus far been low.
However, residents, especially those with preexisting conditions like asthma, remain concerned about potential long-term effects, experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and eye irritation. They also questioned why the plant wasn't shut down when the leak occurred and how aluminium oxide might affect animals, not just people.
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