No Injuries Confirmed Because Of Fallen Shuttle Materials; Citizens Urged To Avoid Contact With Unfamiliar Objects
Release Date: February 8, 2003
Release Number: 3171-15
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Lufkin, TX -- While nearly ten million Texans live beneath the flight path of stricken space shuttle Columbia, no injuries have yet to be confirmed as a result of materials that fell over a general impact path of 61 counties when the spacecraft disintegrated a week ago during re-entry.
"We thankfully are pleased that no injuries have been reported," said Scott Wells, federal officer coordinating the material recovery effort, "and pray that citizens will heed our warnings to stay away from any materials that may have been part of the craft."
Medical officials working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported that a field survey just concluded of six hospitals - the only ones in the likely impact area - produced no reports of injuries. Officials said that about 130 persons, expressing concerns about health-related issues, reported to hospitals for checkups. No injuries were found and no one was admitted to a hospital.
But the fact that no injuries have been reported by Texans residing in the flight path does not alter concerns for the safety of persons who might yet come into contact with toxic materials from the spacecraft. "Don't approach any suspected shuttle material if you detect a chemical odor," cautioned Wells. Call the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 936-699-1090, 1091 or 1032. If the shuttle material appears to be a cylinder, contain gas or liquid of any kind, do not approach it. Call the EPA center. More than 300 personnel are in the field and capable of handling such situations. Here are some details about hazards that could be present:
- Nitrogen Tetroxide - Low levels of nitrogen oxides in the air can irritate your eyes, nose, throat and lungs - possibly causing coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue and nausea.
- Hydrazine - Clear, colorless liquids with an ammonia-like odor which, if breathed for short periods, may cause coughing, irritation of the throat and lungs, convulsions, tremors or seizures.
- Ammonia - A colorless gas with a very sharp odor. Breathing lower concentrations will cause coughing and nose and throat irritation. Concentrated ammonia spilled on the skin will cause burns.
- Explosive devices - Small cylinders or round spheres that are not ruptured or intact objects may contain explosive materials. This material is considered to contain stored energy.
Do not touch. Notify the EPA immediately.
Last Modified: Friday, 11-Apr-2003 13:42:05