PETALING JAYA: The aftermath of the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire has left an undisclosed number of evacuees with respiratory and skin issues.

Exposure to and inhalation of soot, smoke and dust from the fire affected two of Amri Tidi's children, who suffered sore throat and breathing difficulties soon after escaping from their house in Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru.

"We saw many others, especially those who lived closer to the site of the fire, suffer from burns due to the extreme heat.

"The tar on the road melted and those fleeing barefooted were badly injured," added the 47-year-old, when met yesterday. 

Airline personnel Muhammad Norman Zaharifudin, 48, whose house at Putra Avenue Topaz was badly damaged, said two of his children also suffered breathing difficulties due to inhalation of smoke and other pollutants. 

"Oxygen had to be administered to one of my children," he added. 

Medical volunteers stationed at the relief centre in Putra Heights mosque said the evacuees mainly suffered eye and skin irritations, breathing difficulties and mild burns.

A Red Crescent personnel, who declined to be named, said those with health conditions are being attended to by healthcare personnel from the Health Ministry.

"Their health is being closely monitored by medical personnel here round-the-clock. "Ambulances are on standby too. We are doing our best to keep them comfortable," he said. 

The ministry has also stationed mental health experts at the relief centre to attend to the victims. The mosque is providing shelter to 382 people from 99 families, mainly from Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru and Kampung Tengah. 

Among them are 107 children, eight babies, 37 senior citizens and 17 disabled persons. 

Another resident of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, whose rented house was completely destroyed, said she was grateful to the Health Ministry, other agencies and volunteers at the relief centre.

"We may have lost everything, but knowing we are well treated here with ample food brings some comfort and helps ease our suffering," she said.

Meanwhile, a public health expert has advised victims to steer clear of affected areas to avoid health complications.

The heavy burning would have left significant amounts of particulate matters (PM) of between 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and 10 micrometers (PM10) in the air and surrounding area, said Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

She said the PM could have landed on clothing and items used by victims amid the strong winds blowing that day.

PM might lead to respiratory irritation when inhaled, or even induce and aggravate asthma.

"Excessive inhalation of PM can even lead to cardiovascular diseases in the future.

"Victims may need to clean or get rid of their soiled clothes and stay away from the area for a few days. Those who are already feeling the effects should wear a mask and obtain oxygen support,” she said.

Sharifa added that those who suffered acute exposure to methane, a major component of natural gas, either during or after the fire could develop symptoms of poisoning, such as shortness of breath or dizziness.

She also warned of possible smog and acid rain due to nitrogen oxides (NOx) produced by the combustion of natural gas.