Update for residents of Falconbridge following dust event on October 30

Public Health Sudbury & Districts has received results from dust samples collected following the dust event that occurred in the residential area of Falconbridge on October 30. Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and Glencore continue to investigate the source of the dust. Samples collected by MECP and Glencore contain metal sulphides and oxides (iron, nickel, and copper), aluminum, silica, and smaller amounts  of other elements and compounds. The health effects of these compounds depend on the route, length, and intensity of exposure. If inhaled or left on the skin, the dust could have caused temporary and minor irritation (for example, red eyes, sore throat, runny nose, or rash). No long-term health effects are expected. Given that the quantity of the dust was small and the dust is no longer being aerosolized and has been bound to soil or washed away, the risk of inhalation remains minimal.

According to Dr. Emily Groot, Acting Associate Medical Officer of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts, “Our top priority is protecting the health of the community. Similar to our response to the September 24 dust event, Public Health recommended safety measures while we investigated the incident. Based on what we know about the composition of the dust, these measures can now be safely lifted.”

Public Health continues to encourage washing hands after outdoor play or work. While it is unlikely pre-existing soil conditions in Falconbridge will be affected by the dust, Public Health recommends that residents continue to take the following steps:

• 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 (United States Environmental Protection Agency, PDF) or soap and water (Toronto Public Health, PDF).
• Discard the outer layers of leafy produce, as dust may have accumulated in these areas. Peel root vegetables prior to consumption.

If new information becomes available, Public Health will update these recommendations.

Glencore’s Community Line can be reached by calling 705.693.2761, ext. 3989 or by email at sudburycommunity@glencore.ca.

For more information on the recommendations listed above, please call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).