Havering Council has been instructed to begin tracking the “long-term health effects” associated with an ongoing fire at a waste dump located in east London.

Since 2019, Arnolds Field on Launders Lane in Rainham has ignited over 100 times, leading local residents to report symptoms such as irritated eyes and persistent coughs.

In October of last year, the council classified the area as contaminated following a protracted legal struggle led by the advocacy group Clean The Air in Havering.

Recently, the council’s scrutiny committee recommended a more proactive stance on overseeing the site, which includes the establishment of “plans for monitoring and detecting long-term health effects” of the ongoing fires.

Councillor David Taylor, a member of the Conservative opposition, remarked that “while there may not be immediate health consequences, they could arise in a decade or so.”

He emphasized that the council should implement a strategy now rather than delaying action until issues manifest.

Council leader Ray Morgon, representing the Havering Residents Association (HRA), stated that “permanent” measures for air quality assessment are currently in effect.

He assured that the council remains “highly committed” to the health and well-being of the community.

This week, Clean The Air in Havering, a group established by three mothers, shared a statement on social media expressing that “any initiative that can lessen the harm faced by Rainham residents is promising.”

The group also stressed the importance of transparent communication with the community, ensuring that health and safety choices are based on “solid scientific and operational foundations.”

Soil testing conducted in November 2023 revealed that the land at Arnolds Field contained hazardous materials including asbestos, plastic bags, snack wrappers, bricks, cans, polystyrene, and asphalt.

Over its 20-year history, the site has also been used as an illegal weapons storage location and a cannabis cultivation area.