Residents of Sathiyavani Muthunagar in Ennore have demanded immediate action from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) after a dust sample collected from a home in the area revealed high levels of fluoride and toxic metals, including lead, uranium, and cadmium.
The sample was taken during an episode of heavy dust emissions, reportedly from a nearby fertilizer plant, in the last week of May, and tested at a private lab by the residents.
G. Sobiya, a resident, said the emissions began after a new chimney was installed around six months ago at the Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited, currently leased to Coromandel International Limited.
“Thick black smoke is often released. The dust settles everywhere, and causes headache, throat irritation, and other health issues,” she said, adding: “At one time, over just 24 hours, I collected as much dust as one would normally see in 40 days from the terrace.”
Following complaints from residents, TNPCB officials visited the area and collected samples on May 29.
