Public Health Sudbury and Districts says it’s investigating alongside the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and Glencore after smelter dust was located on several properties in the Falconbridge area of Greater Sudbury.
The Sudbury area’s health unit says it was notified of the issue on Wednesday, adding the event originated from the stack at Glencore’s smelter sometime between Tuesday 10 p.m. and Wednesday at 5 a.m. ET.
“We don’t know what this dust is,” said medical officer of health Dr. Mustafa Hirji.
“And so out of caution, make sure you’re not eating food that’s been contaminated by the dust. You’re not handling the dust. You want to make sure you’re not mowing the lawn, doing stuff that’s going to disrupt the dust and throw it in the air where you’re going to be able to breath it. And for similar reasons, we’re advising to stay away from sports for the moment so that you’re not running around kicking up the dust and then breathing that dust.”
The health unit is also recommending the following steps for those in Falconbridge.
Wash your hands with soap and water if you come into contact with the ambient dust. Use personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks when cleaning the dust from properties. Do not eat affected garden produce. Keep children and pets away from playing in impacted areas. Cancel outdoor sporting events until further notice. Refrain from activities that may disturb the dust (for example, mowing the lawn). Turn off air conditioners and furnaces until further notice. 
Glencore says it’s investigating the Tuesday night incident, but preliminary findings suggest it was a mix of smelter dust and regular dust. (Erik White/CBC )
In a statement to CBC News, Glencore said dust was released from its smelter the night of Sept. 23 and 24.
“The event was reported to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and Public Health Sudbury and Districts. We are investigating the cause of the event,” said Yonaniko Grenon, senior communications specialist with Glencore.
The smelter was not operating at the time of the incident and was undergoing routine dust collector cleaning.
“Weather conditions were foggy and residents of Falconbridge reported finding black particles of smelter dust on vehicles and outdoor items as the day progressed,” said Grenon.
Reports indicate the dust is contained within the immediate area of the smelter.
Samples have been taken by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to understand the material.
“Our preliminary testing shows a mix of smelter dust and normal (or ambient) dust. We recognize the concerns this poses for the community. We are working in partnership with Public Health Sudbury and Districts and the [the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks] to determine next steps, and we are committed to providing additional information as it becomes available,” said Grenon.
As part of Glencore’s response it is offering vouchers for vehicle cleaning to affected residents of Falconbridge. It said it would also support residents in determining if more cleaning is needed.
“To minimize contact, we recommend following normal hygiene and cleaning practices, such as washing hands after contact with affected surfaces, washing garden produce thoroughly, and cleaning affected outdoor areas and equipment, such as patio furniture or children’s toys,” said Grenon.
On Facebook, the area city councillor, Natalie Labbee, said she’s frustrated how long it took to inform the public about the issue.
“I do hope that Glencore can provide a more thorough explanation because there are certainly very valid concerns and panic from many residents from whatever substance it is, and also what preventative measures can be put in place to prevent it from occurring again,” she said.
“Environmental protection is a very critical part of the commitment that mining companies embody every day. I hope you all get some concrete answers soon.”