After years of hard work to reduce emissions at the source, to monitor children’s improvement, to educate families on how to reduce exposure to lead, and to continually strive for improvements, we are seeing the lowest blood lead levels in children ever along with the lowest levels of lead in community air. Positive progress is being made.

Key milestones include:
1. Emissions reductions realized: The initial work was to reduce stack emissions through modernization at the smelter, which realized a reduction in stack emissions of more than 99% since the 1990s. To continue improvement of ambient air, a fugitive dust emissions reduction program began in 2012 and has to-date reduced ambient lead in air measures by 80%. The 2020 year-to-date average for lead in community air is 0.08 micrograms per cubic metre, the lowest level to date.

2. Soil assessment and remediation: The soil management program began in 2007 and includes soil testing and, in qualifying yards, replacement of soil or improvements to ground cover on a prioritized basis. To date, we’ve tested more than 1,600 yards and completed remediations or ground cover improvements at more than 700 yards.

3. Primary prevention education: The Healthy Families Healthy Homes team started in 2013 and works with every expectant and young family to empower people to reduce exposure in their home environment as well as through improved nutrition and behavioural changes. More than 500 visits have taken place. Parents and caregivers are empowered and knowledgeable. There are simple actions to reduce your indoor dust that will have tremendous benefits: using a door mat, washing hands after playing outside, and eating iron rich foods. In addition, THEP’s Lead Safe Renovation program (2013, and predecessor programs) educates and supports residents to manage additional potential risks of Pb in the home from paint and consumer products. These supports are accessed regularly by the local population. 

A historical timeline of THEP milestones is available here.