Public Health completes assessment of July black particulate event

HAMILTON, ON – Hamilton Public Health has concluded a review and assessment of potential health impacts resulting from the early July 2026 black particulate event that was experienced mainly within Wards 2, 3, 4 and 6.

Based on an assessment of available data, including the results of the fallout material analysis by the MECP and the limited duration of the early July event, Hamilton Public Health concludes that the event does not pose long-term health risks to the public.

While some individuals may have experienced mild symptoms such as itchy eyes, cough or sore throat, Hamilton Public Health’s review of local hospital data determined there had been no increase in visits to the emergency department for more severe symptoms. This indicates that the early July event did not result in short-term, acute health effects.

“The health and safety of residents remains Hamilton Public Health’s top priority,” said Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health. “The emissions in early July were a short-term worsening of those Hamiltonians experience on a daily basis. This short-term event isn’t expected to have long-term health risks on its own. However, the event contributes to the existing burden on the airshed, particularly the disproportionate impacts experienced in the north end of Hamilton." 

Hamilton Public Health took a comprehensive approach to performing its assessment of this event based on the data and information available. The assessment included a review of air quality data, weather data, acute health effects and environmental sample results. Hamilton Public Health also consulted with toxicology experts and Public Health Ontario on these findings. 

Environmental samples collected by the MECP mainly contained carbon, with small amounts of sulphur. The samples also included very small amounts of mineral particles. Although the identified materials can be toxic if individuals are exposed to high concentrations over a prolonged period, based on air quality data from the collection period and the environmental sample results, along with rain events that would reduce the amount of soot, Hamilton Public Health anticipates there were low levels of exposure during the early July event. 

“We recognize that residents across Hamilton have different exposures to air pollution depending on where they live and work,” said Dr. Bart Harvey, Associate Medical Officer of Health. “Residents living near industry have higher exposures. Although there has been a decrease in emissions, air pollution levels and health impacts over the past decades, air quality and its health impacts within industrial settings remains a challenge and more needs to be done.”

Hamilton Public Health notes that black particulate may settle on the ground and/or transfer to skin, outdoor surfaces and even vegetation.

Residents who may be concerned about the material settling are advised to:

• Clean skin or surfaces using soap and water or a mild detergent.
• Wash all produce under running water, never in standing water in the sink or a tub. After washing, always peel root vegetables and wash again before eating them. Remove outer leaves of leafy plants before further rinsing and preparing them for eating.
• Avoid dry sweeping or using a leaf blower on outdoor surfaces, as this can stir particles back into the air. Wet cleaning is preferred.

Quick facts:

• The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) is the authority responsible for investigating potential environmental contaminants. 
• MECP has determined that emissions from Birla Carbon, located on Parkdale Avenue North, were the primary source of the early July black particulate event. 
• Residents with concerns and/or observations about black particulate are encouraged to contact the MECP Hamilton & District Office, so the report can be logged by the Ministry and further investigated.

Additional Resources:

• Web page: Air Quality in Hamilton
• Web page: Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks rules on air quality and pollution