It must be brought down to 15 nanograms, according to Luc Boileau, who was appointed this year as Quebec’s top public health official.
“The actual situation from the Horne Smelter is not acceptable,” Boileau said. “At a threshold of 15 nanograms, the protection objectives will be achieved. It reduces the risk of lung cancer for the general population.” In a neighborhood near the plant, arsenic pollution is 90 nanograms, or 30 times the standard.
The smelter, in operation since 1926, has taken center stage in Quebec’s news media after data showed the population of Rouyn-Noranda has a higher percentage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease than the provincial average. More than 50 health professionals from the region signed a letter calling on the government to apply air-quality standards.
“We take note of the recommendation issued today by the National Director of Public Health regarding air quality in…
