Tests have shown that levels of chemicals in water tanks near the site of the HWP fire are within acceptable levels, according to Government.A fire consumed the HWP building on St John's Road, Pembroke, on August 8, filling the area with thick grey smoke. Residents were advised to block gutters to prevent ash from entering water tanks.Drinking water samples were collected from residences and businesses located within a mile downwind and east of the fire between August 15 and August 17 to check whether they had been affected by any toxic chemicals.Tests were done to check for dioxins and furans and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. In a statement issued yesterday, the Ministry of Health said the final test results have now been processed.“Preliminary test results, made public last month, indicated that the levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the tank water of houses in the neighbourhood of the HWP fire, were within acceptable limits,” it said.“The final test results show that the HWP fire had no adverse effect on the long-term suitability of water in the area downwind of the fire for drinking.”The statement added: “The analyses conducted on the samples were specialised tests and had to be performed overseas. Samples were shipped to a branch of ALS Laboratories in Burnaby, Canada, for analysis.“ The levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and furans were at acceptably low levels and were not at significantly different concentrations from historic results for Bermuda tanks across the island.“Furthermore, the levels of dioxins and furans observed could not be specifically linked to the HWP fire.”l Were you affected? What do you think about this? E-mail news@royalgazette.bm