Study finds cancer-linked contaminants in Hamilton’s air

The largest air-monitoring experiment in Hamilton’s history has shown a concerning level of contaminants linked to cancer in the city.

The experiment used 26 air monitors across the city and detected contaminants across the city, all the way from Dundas to Stoney Creek.

The pollutant Benzo(A)pyrene was found throughout the region. Long-term exposure to the pollutant has been linked to an increase in the risk of developing cancer.

One of the largest emitters of pollution found in the study was steelmaking operations in the city. The burning of coal required in many steelmaking operations is a direct cause of Benzo(A)pyrene being found in air surrounding factories.

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The project was led by City of Hamilton Staff from the air quality and climate change office in partnership with Dr. Matthew Adams from the University of Toronto and Environment Hamilton.

We’re excited for this report back to the #HamOnt community! Make sure you register today so you don’t miss it! https://t.co/j3PJ3x5ENf

— Environment Hamilton (@EnvHamilton) July 9, 2023

Environment Hamilton says it was developed with community involvement at its core, meaning community-led meetings have been a key component to the development of the study. The final community meeting will be held online Tuesday evening.

Anyone interested in learning more about the results can join an online public meeting being held Tuesday night at 7 p.m.

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