Local health professionals in Rouyn‑Noranda are calling on the incoming Quebec administration to uphold the arsenic emissions ceiling set for the Horne Smelter in 2029. The target, established by the former provincial government, requires the smelter to reduce its arsenic output to no more than 15 nanograms per cubic metre by that year. Health experts say maintaining the limit is essential for protecting residents from increased exposure to the toxic metal.
The previous government granted the smelting operation an extension to meet the 15 ng/m³ threshold, a deadline now slated for 2029. With the transition to a new administration, the experts stress that any relaxation of the standard could raise the risk of health effects linked to arsenic, a known carcinogen that can affect the respiratory system and other organs.
In their statements, the health professionals highlighted the importance of consistency in environmental regulation, noting that the current limit reflects the best available scientific guidance for community safety. They warned that a higher permissible level would likely lead to measurable increases in airborne arsenic concentrations, potentially compromising the health of workers and nearby families.
The Horne Smelter, a long‑standing industrial facility in the Abitibi‑Témiscamingue region, has faced scrutiny over its emissions profile for several years. The 2029 deadline represents the latest effort by provincial authorities to align industrial activity with public‑health objectives. As the new government prepares its environmental agenda, the health community is monitoring the situation closely, urging policymakers to keep the 15 ng/m³ target intact.
The call for continuity comes amid broader discussions about Quebec’s approach to industrial pollution and its impact on regional health outcomes. By preserving the 2029 arsenic limit, officials would reinforce a commitment to safeguarding the well‑being of the Rouyn‑Noranda population while allowing the smelter to operate within clearly defined environmental parameters.