Residents of Brydges St. west of Highbury Ave are being told there is no risk to their health after trichloroethylene was found in the groundwater and soil near their homes.
Trichloroethylene, or TCE, is commonly used as an industrial solvent to degrease machinery. It can also be found in glue, paint remover, and cleaning fluids.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit says it was found in groundwater samples taken during assessment work last year at nearby commercial and industrial sites.
It says the TCE may have been there for several decades. Monitors were put in the ground to see if the TCE levels in the water and soil presented a risk to people in the neighbourhood.
According to the health unit, the situation requires further examination so more samples will be taken and tested to assess the extent of the contamination.
But the Medical Officer of Health for Middlesex-London says people shouldn't be alarmed.
"There is no immediate health risk associated with this situation,” says Dr. Chris Mackie. “The initial analysis shows that the levels of TCE in the groundwater and soil vapour are higher than desired, but far below levels that would cause immediate health effects.”
“The City will work with the Health Unit and the MOECC (Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change) to determine the extent of the problem,” says London Mayor Matt Brown. “The tests being conducted will help identify what steps we need to take to ensure homeowners are informed and safe.”
Residents of Brydges St. were given information packages on Tuesday.
The health unit says there will be indoor testing at some homes, beginning this week.
