Friday, October 31, 2025
Precautions advised for residents of Falconbridge following notice of dust event
Today at approximately 11 a.m., Public Health Sudbury & Districts was notified of a dust event in the residential area of Falconbridge. Over the last few hours, Public Health has been working to assess the situation, including connecting with Glencore and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
The investigation is ongoing at this time. In particular, the composition of the dust and where it originated, including whether it originated from Glencore’s operations, is unknown. However, the early assessment is that there appears to be a much smaller volume of material that has landed in the community than the smelter dust discharge reported on September 24, 2025. Samples of the particulate matter have been collected for testing, with those results expected back in the next few days.
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 exchangers and set furnaces to recirculate if it is an option until further notice.
Public Health will update these recommendations as more information becomes available.
Although it has not been established whether Glencore’s operations resulted in the dust that has been seen, 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 from Glencore.
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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