Thursday, September 25, 2025
Precautions advised for residents of Falconbridge following notice of smelter dust event
Today at 4:20 p.m., Public Health Sudbury & Districts was notified of a smelter dust event originating from the Glencore, Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations Smelter in Falconbridge. Public Health is working closely with Glencore and the Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks to assess the situation as the investigation continues.
“Preliminary information indicates that between September 23 at approximately 10 p.m. to September 24 at approximately 5 a.m. particulate matter was discharged from the smelter stack in Falconbridge,” said Cindy Rocca, Manager in the Health Protection Division.
The particulate matter is currently being tested. As a precaution and until more is known about the composition of the dust, Public Health recommends that affected community members take steps to protect themselves.
Wash your hands with soap and water if you come in 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 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.
Public Health will update these recommendations as more information becomes available.
Community members affected by this release can contact Glencore’s Community Line at 705.693.2761, ext. 3989 or by email at sudburycommunity@glencore.ca for more information on the event.
For more information on the recommendations listed above, please call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
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