After the recent propane explosion in the city of Toronto, the city itself has had to step in to ensure that a proper cleanup of the area is undertaken. The Ontario Environment Ministry had ordered Sunrise Propane to clean up the blast site and the surrounding area. But the propane company was slow to meet the requirements of the Environment Ministry, so the city relied on its powers under the Environmental Protection Act to begin its own cleanup of the residential area. Citizens were upset that the propane facility was built in their neighborhood at all, and they were furious about the asbestos strewn about the area after the explosion. Asbestos is hazardous when released into the air because when its fibers are inhaled into the lungs, they may become lodged there, causing asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma, a rare, but deadly, cancer. To clean up the toxic substance, the City of Toronto hired licensed professional environmental cleanup and disposal workers. City officials reported that cleanup crews were to wear protective equipment for the job, as mandated under Ontario law.
For the full story, go to CBC News.
