Hamilton Public Health says July black soot event does not pose long-term health risks

Hamilton Public Health concludes that the event where black “soot” blanketed parts of east Hamilton last month, does not pose long-term health risks to the public.

Earlier in July, an unidentified black “soot” had fallen into parts of Wards 2, 3, 4 and 6, with many residents worrying if the material was a health hazard.

The government department says based on an assessment of available data, which included the results of the fallout material analysis by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), and the short duration of the event, the event does not pose long-term health risks to the public.

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Hamilton Public Health’s review of local hospital data determined there was no increase in visits to the emergency department for severe symptoms — indicating no short-term acute health effects.

“The health and safety of residents remains Hamilton Public Health’s top priority,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Elizabeth Richardson in a statement. “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.”

City staff caution that some residents in the affected areas may experience mild symptoms like itchy eyes, coughing or a sore throat.

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Hamilton staff say the MECP determined that Birla Carbon, on Parkdale Avenue North, was the primary source of the emissions.

The environmental samples collected by the MECP mainly contained carbon and small amounts of sulfur.

The samples also had very small amounts of mineral particles.

The announcement follows after east Hamilton residents learned earlier this week that the soot raining in their area contained toxic chemicals.

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