Hamilton public health completes assessment of July black soot incident | urbanicity. com
Hamiltonresidents expressed significant concern when an early July incident in some pockets of the city saw outdoor surfaces – from cars to houses to play structures – covered in apowdery, grimy black. . .
Hamiltonresidents expressed significant concern when an early July incident in some pockets of the city saw outdoor surfaces – from cars to houses to play structures – covered in apowdery, grimy black substance. Hundreds of complaints to the City about the appearance of this black soot and its potential health implications led to a Hamilton Public Health investigation, the results of which havefreshly been released. “Based on an assessment of available data, including the results of the fallout material analysis by the MECP and the limited duration of the early July event, Hamilton Public Health concludes that the event does not pose long-term health risks to the public,” reads a release from the City. Public Health adds that while some residents in Wards 2, 3, 4 and 6 may have experienced mild symptoms like cough, sore throat, and itchy eyes, there was no concurrent increase in emergency department visits for more severe symptoms, indicating that the July event did not result in short-term acute health effects. The assessment by Hamilton Public Health included analyzing environmental samples, air quality data, weather data, and acute health effects plus consultations with toxicology experts and Public Health Ontario. It was found that environmental samples mainly contained carbon with small amounts of sulphur; materials that can be toxic if individuals are exposed at high volumes for prolonged time periods. Hamilton Public Health believes that exposure levels during the July incident were low. “The health and safety of residents remains Hamilton Public Health’s top priority,” said Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health. “The emissions in early July were a short-term worsening of those Hamiltonians experience on a daily basis. This short-term event isn’t expected to have long-term health risks on its own. However, the event contributes to the existing burden on the airshed, particularly the disproportionate impacts experienced in the north end of Hamilton. ”Read the full release on thecity website. Support local journalismStories like this take time to report. If you found this useful, consider leaving a tip! Doing so allows us to produce more local news stories. $Secure payment by Stripe. Optional - no account required.