Indiana Recycling Plant Fire Raises Safety Concerns and Health Risks

A plastics recycling plant in Indiana has been burning since Tuesday afternoon, emitting potentially hazardous smoke, soot, and ash into the surrounding community. The US Environmental Protection Agency is conducting around-the-clock air quality monitoring due to concerns that the fire may be releasing debris contaminated with asbestos and toxic chemicals from the incinerated plastics. An evacuation order remains in effect for some 2,000 residents who live within a half-mile radius of the plant. Local leaders had expressed concerns since at least 2019 that the recycling plant was riddled with fire hazards and building code violations.