Update on Glencore smelter dust event

In consultation with Public Health Ontario, Public Health Sudbury & Districts and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) have assessed the potential impacts from the estimated one cubic metre of dust that was discharged from the Glencore, Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations Smelter in Falconbridge between September 23 and September 24.

Results from samples collected by MECP in the community and at the smelter confirm that the dust was mostly comprised of metal oxides (iron, nickel, and copper) and smaller amounts of nickel-sulfur compounds, silicates, and 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). Since the dust is no longer being aerosolized and has been bound to soil or washed away, the risk of inhalation remains minimal. Surface water runoff continues to be collected in designated storm sewers and treated at Glencore’s treatment plant before being discharged to Coniston Creek. Since this was a short and limited release, no chronic or severe health effects are expected.

“We recognize that unexpected incidents like this are concerning,” said Dr. Emily Groot, Acting Associate Medical Officer of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “Protecting community health is our priority, and precautions were put in place while we investigated the event. Based on what we now know about the composition and amount of material released, no long-term health impacts are anticipated.”

Public Health continues to encourage washing hands after outdoor play or work. While it is unlikely the dust event will impact pre-existing soil conditions in Falconbridge, 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 will be hosting an information session for residents of Falconbridge on Thursday, October 16. Public Health will also be in attendance.

Community members affected by this release can contact Glencore’s Community Line at 705.693.2761, ext. 3989 or by email at sudburycommunity@glencore.ca for more information on the event.

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).