At the end of December, the Government of Quebec announced its desire to modify the standard for atmospheric concentrations of nickel. This amendment provides for an increase in the daily limit value for nickel tolerated in ambient air from 14 to 70 nanograms per cubic meter (ng/m3) and the addition of an average annual rate which cannot exceed 20 ng/m3.
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Some people have expressed concern about this proposal. In our opinion, clarifications are necessary.
This draft regulation from the Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change is based on the work of independent experts, including the DD Michèle Bouchard, holder of the Chair in Analysis and Management of Toxicological Risks and Vice-Dean of Research at the School of Public Health at the Université de Montréal. An interdepartmental committee also worked for four years to revise this standard.
In light of this approach, the scientists, organizations and ministries that participated in issuing a recommendation are formal: at 14 ng/m3, the current standard is unduly strict. Established in 2013, it is based on a single study dating from 1978, the methodology of which does not meet the criteria recognized by the international scientific community in terms of toxicological studies.
Lean on data
What about the new standard allowing daily peaks of up to 70 ng nickel/m3 recommended by the Ministry?
On the one hand, it is based on conclusive data which allows experts to maintain that an exposure of less than 24 hours to such a level of nickel has no real impact on health.
A notice published by the Public Health Department of the Capitale-Nationale in 2015 also points out that at the concentrations observed, the risk that exposure to nickel will cause effects on the health of the population is low.
On the other hand, this standard is lower than the threshold allowed in Ontario which is 100 ng/m3 per day. It is also more severe than in most European states where no daily limit is set, as long as the annual average does not exceed 20 ng/m3.
Develop sustainable projects
Nickel is naturally present in the air, soil, water, plants and various foods. Its atmospheric emission also comes from the combustion of hydrocarbons and the incineration of waste. Although the concentration of nickel in Quebec is already well below the thresholds deemed safe for health, mining companies are going further and proactively improving their practices to minimize potential emissions.
Little known fact: nickel is also an essential component of the battery. In a context where there is a desire to make Quebec a pole of the battery industry, the modification of the standard contributes to strengthening our ability to fulfill this role and to participate in the movement to fight against climate change, without compromising. on the protection of public health.
The evolution of the atmospheric nickel standard is therefore at the crossroads of responsible development and respect for the health of our communities.
The proposed changes respect the opinions of independent experts, take into account the health of citizens and contribute to sustainable development.
We believe they are justified.
* Co-signatories: Karl Blackburn, President and CEO of the Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ); Hélène Lauzon, President and CEO of the Quebec Employers’ Council for the Environment (CPEQ); Charles Milliard, President and CEO of the Federation of Quebec Chambers of Commerce (FCCQ)