Pile of garbage and smoldering debris on an open lot surrounded by dry trees and vegetation
ARGENTINA

They point to a burning landfill as the possible cause of the strong odor in Córdoba

Several areas of the capital were affected by an intense stench that is still being analyzed

The strong odor that affected numerous neighborhoods in Córdoba during the last few hours reportedly originated from a fire at a landfill near the local airport. The initial hypotheses point to plastic waste burned in the open air, although laboratory analyses have not yet confirmed the type of substance involved. The northeast wind facilitated the spread of the smoke, causing the presence of the stench in different areas of the city.

The capital city municipality reported that they collected samples at the site to analyze them and determine the exact source of the odor. The site under investigation is located between the Córdoba–Juárez Celman Highway and La Voz del Interior Avenue, next to the Canal Maestro Norte. The property, which is privately owned, is reportedly being used as an informal waste dump without intervention or control.

Municipal authorities also inspected nearby industries to rule out the possibility of an undeclared chemical emission. The most solid hypothesis is that the smoke comes from a slow underground combustion. According to official sources, it was local residents who alerted authorities to the fire, which reportedly started over the weekend.

Open-air landfill with smoke and trees in the background on a sunny day
The smoke comes from a slow underground combustion | La Derecha Diario

The landfill was burning underground and emitted a light but persistent smoke

Technicians confirmed that the area contained waste covered with ash and debris, but with remnants still burning beneath the surface. A thin column of smoke, almost imperceptible, was rising from the site, which was nevertheless enough to spread the odor toward the northern sector. The stench, which had sulfurous characteristics, was more intense near the source and weaker the farther away it was.

Those who live in the area indicated that they are already accustomed to similar episodes, although this time the odor was particularly strong. Residents reported that people from outside the neighborhood set fire with the intention of burning accumulated wood. That initial fire reportedly then reached a still unidentified substance, which produced the strong stench.

According to the technicians, one of the hypotheses is that a powder resembling sawdust caught fire, possibly derived from industrial waste. This powder, when it came into contact with the flames, reportedly caused odors recognizable as "boiled cauliflower." It was also reported that close contact with that soil causes itching and respiratory discomfort.

Pile of construction debris with cement blocks, rebar, and smoke rising from the rubble
According to the authorities, there is no toxic risk for the population | La Derecha Diario

Authorities assure that the air doesn't present toxic levels or abnormal gases

The Director of Environmental Impact, Eduardo Sarría, explained that air quality values are being constantly monitored. He specified that the measurements do not indicate the presence of toxic gases or alterations in the established parameters. "The sensors give us normal readings for air quality; there is no toxicity or abnormal pattern," the official stated.

The Municipality clarified that they now have more modern equipment that allows them to detect different types of gases. The sensors, located at strategic points in the city, did not record elevated levels of carbon dioxide or sulfur. External experts, however, warn that more specialized devices are needed to obtain more precise data.

Sarría reiterated that there was no alert during the episode, which reinforces the idea that there is no toxic risk to the population. He nevertheless indicated that they will continue to monitor the situation and update the information should any developments arise. Meanwhile,the fire at the landfill remains active, although it is already under technical observation.

➡️ Argentina

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