Heavy Metals Study in the Creighton and Flin Flon Area

A comprehensive assessment of exposure and health risks related to metals in soil in Flin Flon, Manitoba and Creighton, Saskatchewan has concluded that the likelihood of adverse health effects among area residents from exposure to these metals is negligible to low.

The results of the study have been shared with community residents in the Flin Flon/ Creighton area.

The study was conducted in follow-up to a 2007 report by Manitoba Conservation which concluded that the soil levels of some metals likely related to air emissions from the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelter (HBMS) operation in Flin Flon were elevated. HBMS retained the services of Intrinsik Environmental Sciences Inc. (Intrinsik) to conduct the comprehensive investigation of potential human health risks related to residents' exposures to these metals.

The HBMS Flin Flon smelter ceased operations on June 11, 2010, which is expected to markedly improve air quality and reduce exposure to metals.

The exposure study of blood lead levels in children in the area showed an average well below current acceptable Canadian limits, although slightly above the average for U.S. children of a similar age. To ensure even further reduction in potential risk, a public education strategy to reduce lead exposure as well as ongoing monitoring and surveillance was recommended.

Detailed information on the studies and findings are available at www.flinflonsoilsstudy.com

See fact sheets on arsenic, cadmium and lead, below.