Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Parks and Conservation (MECP) says a Hamilton steelmaker did reach out to them following a malfunction that released a thick rust-coloured plume into the air Saturday afternoon.
Spokesperson Gary Wheeler from the ministry says it was alerted by ArcelorMittal Dofasco of the glitch in an oxygen steel-making furnace around 3:30 p.m. which was visible to many residents.
He says “an internal investigation” into the cause by ArcelorMittal Dofasco is underway but could not say whether the MECP would be investigating further.
“The ministry is following up with the company to gather further details on the cause of the incident,” Wheeler revealed.
The steel manufacturer claims the “visible emissions” lasted some 14 minutes.
It suggests the plume likely was comprised primarily of iron oxide.
Wheeler says the potential impacts from iron oxide emissions are “soiling and fallout on vehicles and property.”
“The ministry recommends that anyone concerned about impacts to health from the plume follow up with their physician or Hamilton Public Health Services,” Wheeler added.
Global News has reached out to Hamilton Public Health but has not yet received a response as of Monday afternoon.
Several studies on the health effects of iron oxide dust posted to the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) website have given no evidence that an “acute exposure to a high concentration” over a short duration would cause any irreversible health effects.
Hamilton Public Health’s manager of health hazards and vector-borne diseases says the city has asked the MECP for information concerning the incident.
However, Matthew Lawson said in an email the city is still awaiting that answer as of Monday afternoon and an order on whether or not they should assess potential human health impacts.
“As soon as a report is received, an assessment of health risk to the public will be performed,” said Lawson.
Ian Borsuk from Environment Hamilton says the size and length of time the incident occurred is “absolutely concerning” and is encouraging residents to document as well as share images and videos with the MECP.
“Any residents who were potentially exposed to this event should monitor their health,” Borsuk suggested.
“We’re looking forward to the MECP moving quickly with their investigation to ensure the health and safety of Hamiltonians – and to ensure that events like this do not happen again.”
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