What were the findings of the HHRA?
Overall, the study predicted little risk of health effects for residents associated with metals in the environment. There were no risks identified for four of the six chemicals of concern: arsenic, copper, cobalt, and selenium. The HHRA identified potential risks associated with exposure to nickel and lead in localized areas. These risks are considered to be in the ‘negligible’ to ‘minimal’ range. For more detailed information on the risks identified in the HHRA, please refer to the Summary Report, available online at www.sudburysoilsstudy.com

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What do the results about lead in soil mean to me and my family?
The presence of lead in soil does not necessarily mean that people are exposed to it. Levels of lead detected in Sudbury soils and dust are consistent with other older urban communities in Canada, particularly where homes were built before the 1950s. Exposure to lead from soil in Sudbury represents less than 10 per cent of a person’s total estimated exposure. Other sources may include lead in paint, plumbing, supermarket foods and other household products. Since children sometimes play on the ground, exposures may be higher through direct contact with soil. As part of the HHRA, all local beaches, parks, daycares and schools were tested for lead, and no concerns were identified at these sites. The MOE and the Sudbury & District Health Unit provide important information for all parents on how to reduce exposure to lead in the environment.

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What do the results about nickel in air mean to me and my family?
Generally, the HHRA predicted no unacceptable risks associated with nickel in the Sudbury environment. However, minimal health risks were predicted due to nickel in air in Copper Cliff and the western portion of Sudbury Centre. The source of airborne nickel in these areas may be related to wind-blown dust from Vale Inco’s Copper Cliff Complex. Based on the conservative risk predictions used in the study, it is unlikely that any extra cases of respiratory cancer will result from nickel exposure in the study area over the 70-year lifespan considered in the study. These risk predictions were supported by the local Medical Officer of Health.

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Why is Sudbury’s standard for lead in soil 400 ppm (parts per million), when the Ministry of the Environment says 200 ppm is the safe level?
The Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE) sets generic standards for total lead exposure to provide a conservative level of health protection across the entire province.

A generic standard is based on many assumptions and generalized conditions. The Sudbury Soils Study is a site-specific risk assessment. As part of this study, we measured the concentrations of lead in media to which people are exposed in Sudbury such as air, water, food, dust, local fish and meat. These measurements allowed the study team to calculate a more specific total exposure to lead for Sudbury residents, rather than using the generic assumptions. Using these more specific calculations, we concluded that a level of 400 ppm lead in soil is protective of human health in Sudbury. In many older, urban communities in Canada, it is common to see lead levels of 1,000 parts per million or greater. Since exposure to lead from soil in Sudbury represents less than 10 per cent of total exposure, removing soil is not an effective measure to reduce risk.

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How do I know my soil is safe? Can I get my soil tested for lead?
For most of the study area, lead levels in soil and dust were within acceptable benchmarks for protection of human health. In some localized areas of Copper Cliff, Coniston, Falconbridge and Sudbury Centre, a minimal increase in risk may exist where small children are exposed to soil and dust. More than 500 properties were sampled in Greater Sudbury in 2001. Only nine properties (less than 2 per cent) exceeded the soil risk management level of 400 ppm for lead in soil. In all cases, these property owners were notified by the MOE. For more information or to speak to an expert on lead exposure, please call the toll-free information line at 1-866-315-0228.

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Are employees exposed to higher risks while working at the mining companies?
The purpose of the HHRA was to assess potential risks to residents of the Greater Sudbury area. Occupational exposures were not considered in this study. However, these exposures are assessed on an ongoing basis through workplace health and safety programs at both mining companies, with the Unions, and the Ontario Ministry of Labour.

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Will the companies conduct a health study with biological testing to ensure Sudburians are safe?
Health risks identified in the HHRA are in the ‘negligible’ to ‘minimal’ range and do not indicate the need for biological testing. If you are concerned about chemical exposures in your home, you are encouraged to consult with your family physician, who can provide you with information concerning your personal health status.

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Is it safe to eat blueberries and other locally grown foods?
Yes. Blueberries and other locally grown fruits and vegetables were analyzed for the chemicals of concern. In all cases, the results indicated that these products are well within the health-protective standards for safe consumption. For added protection, it is recommended that all Canadians thoroughly wash their produce before eating, to remove soil.

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What is being done to reduce the risks identified in the HHRA?
The HHRA studied the potential impacts of metals in the environment related to past and current mining and smelting activities. Where minimal health risks were identified in the study, the companies are working in cooperation with the MOE, the City of Greater Sudbury, and the Sudbury & District Health Unit, to further reduce the potential for exposure. In the past 10 years, the mining companies have reduced their emissions by as much as 80 per cent or more. Further details on what is being done to minimize the potential for risk are outlined in the Joint Risk Management Report for Mining and Smelting Operations, developed by Vale Inco and Xstrata Nickel. For information please visit www.sudburysoilsstudy.com, or call the toll-free number at 1-866-315-0228.

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