Public Health lifts restrictions in Falconbridge following smelter dust incident

Public Health Sudbury & Districts says residents of the Falconbridge community can resume normal activities after a dust discharge from a local smelter last week, though it recommends some simple cleaning precautions.

The health authority, along with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, began an investigation after being notified that an estimated one cubic metre of dust was released from the Glencore Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations Smelter between Sept. 23 and 24.

Health officials said in a news release Saturday evening that the dust is no longer being aerosolized and has been bound to soil or washed away, making the risk of inhalation now minimal.

“Public Health received preliminary results of the composition of the dust from Glencore on Friday,” the health unit said, adding that further analysis from the ministry is still pending.

Precautions for cleaning and gardening

While declaring the immediate health risk over, officials are advising residents to take specific steps when cleaning up the dust or working in gardens.

“Residents can now resume normal activities, taking simple precautions such as wearing a mask and gloves when cleaning dust, washing dust off skin, following gardening safety practices and checking or replacing air filters in furnaces or air conditioners,” said Dr. Emily Groot, an acting associate medical officer with the public health unit.

The health unit also provided a detailed list of recommendations for area gardeners:

• Wear gloves when gardening or handling produce, which can act as an additional physical barrier from the dust.
• Practise hand hygiene by washing hands after gardening and prior to eating to avoid any dust ingestion.
• Ensure dust is not tracked into the home after harvesting produce. Gardening tools, clothes and any items with excess dust should be washed with soap and water or left outside the home.
• Wash produce thoroughly using running water or soap and water.
• Discard the outer layers of leafy produce, as dust may have accumulated in these areas and peel root vegetables prior to consumption.

Public Health has confirmed that drinking water has not been affected, as surface water runoff is collected in storm sewers and treated at Glencore’s plant before being discharged to Coniston Creek.

Resumption of outdoor activities

“Public Health encourages the resumption of outdoor sporting and community events,” officials said.

Health officials noted that children and pets can resume playing in impacted areas, and that community members can resume activities that may generate dust. Residents are reminded to wash their hands after outdoor work or play.

Public Health is also recommending residents use this incident as an opportunity to change their furnace filter.

“Public Health Sudbury & Districts will share further analysis of sample results once available,” reads the release.

Community members seeking more information can contact Glencore’s Community Line at 705-693-2761, ext. 3989 or Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 1-866-522-9200.