Dixie-Queensway Soil SamplingAs part of the Ministry of Environment (MOE) soil monitoring program, some residents in the Dixie-Queensway neighbourhood in Mississauga have received results of soil samples taken on their property. Some of the samples exceeded provincial standards for lead, arsenic and/or cadmium in soil. Cobalt was also found in some soil samples from some municipal and regional boulevards. Lead, arsenic, cadmium and cobalt are commonly found in many urban and industrialized areas throughout Ontario.
After reviewing the MOE soil sampling results for the community, Peel Public Health does not expect any health impacts from these substances in the soil under typical exposure conditions. For health to be affected, one must be directly exposed to the affected soil - either by consuming the soil or inhaling dust from the soil.
Exposure to these substances is usually very low when the affected soil is covered with grass or paving stones, and when these substances are present below the surface. There is potential for higher exposure if the affected soil is bare or if the soil has been disturbed by digging or other activities. In these cases, there are a number of simple steps that can be taken to minimize exposure and reduce the potential for health impacts. Other sources and activities, such as construction/demolition, occupational and recreational activities, may also result in exposure.
Below you will find information on the sources, the impacts and simple actions that can be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to the affected soil and dust.