In some areas of Winnipeg, the lead level is still above acceptable levels.
City authorities say that it is necessary to continue conducting air and garden soil tests.
More than 100 tests of various soil samples were conducted in the fall. On Thursday, the results of these studies were publicly announced.
The results of 2018 were compared with the 2007–2008 report. A new study showed that in Weston School's sports field and North Point Douglas the level of lead still significantly exceeds the norm, as it was 10 years ago. However, soil taken in some other areas of the city showed that there are locations where lead levels have decreased over the years.
In the soil located near the elementary school 21 samples were taken. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment announced 140 mg/kg as the acceptable level. However, 17 of 21 taken samples showed exceeding the norm. Their indicators are 219 mg/kg.
A full verification report will be made by mid-December. In addition to official data and statistics, it will provide general recommendations for reducing lead levels, tips for air monitoring in industrial areas, and for solving the situation in the elementary school.
City authorities will conduct an increased study of the industrial zone of the city. If air testing shows that the industrial zone is the reason for the pollution, then it should incur expenses for cleaning the city. Experts said that winter weather has a beneficial effect on the ecological situation in the city: the level of lead will not be increasing.
Residents of the city had a reasonable question: what should they do to save their family from lead exposure if they grow vegetables near their houses? The best way out of this situation is to have a raised garden and to wash all vegetables very properly before eating them.
Parents need to talk with their children and to tell them about the importance of washing hands after playing in the courtyard, in the park or on the playground.
MORE NEWS:Winnipeggers should be careful: about 30% of houses have unsafe levels of radon