Ontario to lower diesel exhaust limits in mines

Ontario will lower diesel exposure limits in mines in an effort to help the health of underground workers.

Labour Minister Monte McNaughton says long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause bladder and lung cancer.

He says the province will reduce the exposure levels created by diesel-powered machines by 70 per cent.

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McNaughton says the province will also require improvements to ventilation in mines and will also allow track-mounted machines controlled by an operator to probe for safety hazards.

Local United Steelworkers union leader Nick Larochelle says the reduction is welcome news.

He says it is an “awesome start,” but wants the emission limits lowered even further.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 11, 2023.

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