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HOTEL IMPLOSION


Dust Settles Over Downtown After Implosion

Crews Continue To Clean Up Rubble

POSTED: 11:13 am PDT April 18, 2006
UPDATED: 3:37 pm PDT April 18, 2006

This past weekend's implosion of the Hotel San Diego made way for a new courthouse and a huge mess, 10News reported.

Crews continue to clean up the debris, but dust has canvassed several downtown sidewalks and streets.

Health experts said the dust could wreak havoc on those living or working near Broadway and State streets.

"What you may experience is a cough, chest tightening, or feeling like you have a heaviness in your chest. And if you do have asthma you may start to wheeze. So, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should contact your doctor," said Jan Cortez of the American Lung Association Jan Cortez.

More than 350 pounds of explosives brought down the 92-year-old hotel at about 8 a.m. on Saturday.

It took just 20 seconds for the seven-story downtown landmark to collapse into rubble.

"There's obviously going to be dust but it's beatiful for our city. (I'm) happy to be living downtown," said resident Robyn Gray.

While some downtown residents are OK with the dust, it can be unhealthy.

"If you have breathing problems, it's a good idea to stay out of the area. If you can, stay indoors with (the) windows shut and run (the) air conditioner," said Cortez.

The dust is more of a problem for children.

"Children are more sensitive to breathing in particle matter and having irritation from that, and if you can keep them out of the area for (the) next few days, I would recommend that," said Cortez.

Slowly the dust will disappear.

"Our best friend right now would be lots of wind to dissipate the particle matter (and) decrease concentration and a good rain to clear that out of the air and make it healthier to breathe," said Cortez.

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