General guidance can be provided on the possibility of persistent or delayed health effects from exposure via inhalation to chemicals which are anticipated to be produced by explosions in underground tunnels ( ie through breathing in chemicals or burning of the respiratory tract or eyes by hot smoke). It is very unlikely that any long term effects will occur if the individual had no significant acute respiratory tract, eye or other symptoms or signs at the time of probable exposure. There is a possibility that longer-term effects on the eyes and lungs could occur as a consequence of the severe irritant effects of some of the compounds produced by combustion. The likelihood of this happening is minimized if prompt treatment is given to the casualty, but those who have serious lung damage at the time of exposure may develop respiratory tract problems that require longer-term medical management. For a single acute exposure the increase in risk of developing such long-term effects is assessed as being very small relative to the other risks experienced in normal life. These chemicals pose no inherently greater risk of long term effects for children or older people. In pregnancy it is extremely unlikely that these chemicals would affect an unborn child in a mother who has few symptoms. This does not discount the possibility of effects due to stress, direct trauma or other physical injuries to the mother, arising from the incident. It is natural and normal that individuals involved in a serious, life-threatening event experience psychological reactions to the incident. Most of these will resolve with time as the individual recovers and returns to their normal life routine. Those whose symptoms persist should be assessed and advised on treatment by their GP.
If you develop symptoms then
contact NHS 111 or your GP
inform your occupational health unit if you were involved in an incident through their work (including emergency services, transport services, health professionals, recovery workers etc)