Health effects from chemical fire at Vancouver port may still be felt today

WATCH ABOVE: What is Trichloroisocyanuric acid?

VANCOUVER – Officials are warning that health effects from the chemical fire at the Port of Metro Vancouver may still be felt today.

• Fire is now contained but still smoldering and it may be days before crews can open the container.
• Air quality is at an acceptable level now, people are safe to go outside
• People with lung disease, asthma, emphysema need to monitor themselves for 24 hours if they were in the area where they could notice smoke
• Lung irritation can occur up to 24 hours later
• If air still bothers you, stay inside
• 13 people sought medical attention at St. Paul’s Hospital following the fire on Wednesday
• Port operations have resumed on the south shore of Burrard Inlet, with the exception of the Centerm container terminal

A shipping container burst into flames Wednesday afternoon, sending smoke billowing into the air.

Firefighters responded from the ground and from the ocean. Parts of the port were evacuated, roads were closed and nearby residents were told to stay inside and shelter-in-place.

It’s all because the burning container was carrying a dangerous chemical known as Trichloroisocyanuric acid (a bleaching agent and industrial disinfectant).

It is very common at the ports and although it is not combustible, it is a strong oxidizer, which means it is a catalyst if it comes into contact with other flammable material. It is also an eye and skin irritant, similar to chlorine.

Vancouver Coastal Health says exposure to the chemical can cause damage to the airways and anyone experiencing breathing problems, like wheezing or coughing, over the next 24 hours is urged to seek medical help immediately.

“We’re concerned that people, particularly those with lung disease, asthma, emphysema, they need to monitor themselves for 24 hours, if they were in the area where the smoke was, they could notice smoke,” says Vancouver City Manager Penny Ballem. “And that’s because we know that there might be risk of some lung irritation that can occur up to 24 hours afterwards.”

WATCH: Air pollution expert describes potential exposure concerns from chemical fire: