Study finds carcinogens downwind of Edmonton petrochemical plants

EDMONTON – A newly published study says air quality in Alberta’s “Industrial Heartland” northeast of Edmonton contains pollutants at levels equal to some of the world’s largest cities.

The study, by scientists at the University of California, also found elevated levels of cancer in communities closest to the area’s petrochemical plants.

The report does not definitely link the air pollutants to the cancer rates.

Scientists took high-precision readings of 77 different chemicals during two days in August 2010 to reach their conclusions.

They found levels in the downwind air several thousand times higher than background levels for some of the chemicals, some of which are known to cause cancer.

The study recommends emissions of the chemicals should be reduced.