Burns at Liepāja motorcycle race: soil analysis finds high alkali concentration
The State Environmental Service examined soil samples from the grounds of the former Liepājas metalurgs plant in Liepāja. The analysis confirmed that the environment is strongly alkaline in several places where the competition took place.
The State Environmental Service, the Latvian authority that monitors environmental conditions, has examined soil samples taken from the territory of the former Liepājas metalurgs plant in Liepāja. Motorcycle racers competed there in October, and several of them suffered chemical burns.
The analysis results confirmed that the environment is strongly alkaline in several of the places where the races were held. The tests therefore point to a high concentration of alkali on the ground where the riders competed.
Background
In October, motorcycle racers took part in a competition on part of the grounds of the former Liepājas metalurgs plant. Afterwards several participants were found to have chemical burns, which prompted the environmental service to check the soil.
With the results now available, the participants' burns can be linked to the alkaline conditions found in the soil. The information applies to samples from several of the competition sites.
