FORT WORTH, Texas – After an explosion at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, first responders are working to determine the cause. Meanwhile, public health experts are warning about potential health hazards resulting from the fallout.
Dr. Marilyn Howarth, from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, has expressed concerns about toxic chemicals in the debris. She pointed out that older buildings like the Sandman hotel may contain asbestos and lead, which can pose significant health risks in the event of an explosion.
The Sandman hotel, a historic building designed by the Fort Worth architecture firm Sanguinet & Staats, dates back to 1920 and may have lead-based paint, commonly used in buildings before 1978. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to lead can cause severe damage to the brain and central nervous system.
Although Fort Worth firefighters are working to clear debris from inside the hotel and the surrounding downtown area, experts like Dr. John Mills from the UNT Health Science Center’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine warn of potential risks posed by gas leaks. Even from a distance, gas leaks can lead to physical symptoms, including abdominal pain, dizziness, headaches, and difficulty breathing.
In case of a gas leak, people are advised to contact Texas Gas Service or seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms. As the investigation into the cause of the explosion continues, the potential health risks from the debris and gas leaks are being closely monitored in downtown Fort Worth.
Reiterating the potential risks posed by the debris and gas leaks, experts and first responders are urging people to stay alert and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms related to gas exposure. The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing, with authorities working to ensure the safety and well-being of the public in the downtown Fort Worth area.