A Human Health Risk Assessment is a systematic process, which focuses on identifying the probability of effects (positive and negative) from an operation, project, substance or activity, on the health of humans.

In the Sudbury context, the Human Health Risk Assessment will focus on the probability of any effects that could occur from Inco’s and Falconbridge’s metal emissions (nickel, copper, cobalt and arsenic) on the Sudbury community. The study will examine possible effects in a number of possible exposure pathways including air, water and food sources. Since the highest concentrations of metals are found in the soil, exposures to soil will receive particular attention.

Both the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and local Medical Officer of Health believe that based on previous studies of a similar nature in other Ontario communities, "there is no expected immediate risk to human health". The partners in the study agree, however, that a comprehensive Human Health Risk Assessment is a logical and necessary step to validate those beliefs.

Ecological Risk Assessment

An Ecological Risk Assessment is a systematic process, which focuses on identifying the probability of effects (positive or negative) from an operation, project or activity, on the ecosystem. In the Sudbury context, the Ecological Risk Assessment will focus on the probable effects of metal emissions (nickel, copper, cobalt and arsenic) from Inco’s and Falconbridge’s operations on the Sudbury environment. Studies will look at both plant and animal life. Since these metals have accumulated in the top 5 cm of soil, particularly attention in the study will be focused on soil effects.

Due to the extensive application of emission controls in the Sudbury area in recent years and the associated major reductions in air emissions, researchers have documented a significant recovery within the Sudbury environment. The Ecological Risk Assessment will also examine rates and patterns of ecological recovery, both in the short-term and in the long-term.