A group of local students in Milton have presented research findings on air quality, highlighting pollution from fine particulate matter, PM 2.5, and potential increases tied to the proposed CN intermodal hub.
The study, conducted by Ritvik Manicka, Jenay Khatri, and Suraj Subrahmanyan from late April to late May, was carried out in collaboration with Environment Canada, York University, and the University of Toronto. The students presented their findings during the Oct. 23 Halton Regional meeting.
“Our goal was to understand the presence of PM 2.5 in Milton,” they explained. To achieve this, they installed PM 2.5 sensors in both northern and southern areas of the town, including near Hwy. 401, schools, and construction sites. Their readings were then compared to data from the Ontario Ministry of Health.
The results revealed that pollution levels along major roadways, particularly Thompson Road and Main Street, exceeded World Health Organization guidelines. Average levels were 62.5 percent higher in the north and 52 percent higher in the south.
“PM 2.5 is particularly concerning due to its link to neurological disorders, increased asthma risk in youth, and lung cancer,” said the Bishop Reding Catholic Secondary School students.
They also noted that while the proposed terminal would be near the southwestern edge of Milton, PM 2.5 particles “can still be mobilized in the air,” spreading pollution throughout the area.
When asked by Councillor Sameera Ali about the potential for pollution to impact other parts of Halton, the students explained that strong southerly winds could carry pollutants to Oakville and parts of Burlington.
“These PM 2.5 particles are easily mobilized, especially within the lower atmosphere, where minimal sunlight prevents them from breaking down,” they said.
Mayor Gord Krantz echoed the health concerns, citing an “unprecedented finding” from a federal environmental review panel: “The location of this truck-rail hub will significantly affect human health, with no measures capable of preventing air quality impacts.”
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