I’m an ER doctor that has…

I’m an ER doctor that has lived and practiced medicine in Sault Ste. Marie for the last 14 years. One of the shocking findings about this community is its significantly elevated cancer rates compared to any other city I’ve lived or trained in. Regularly I’m seeing patients who have had 2 or 3 different primary cancers in their lifetime; this is virtually unheard of in developed countries. I’ve spoken with many other physicians who have moved to SSM and they have echoed this shock of seeing such extraordinarily high incidence of cancer. This is confirmed by Cancer Care Ontario data; the Algoma district has the unfortunate distinction of being number one in the province in overall cancer incidence, as well as leading the province in a number of cancers specifically linked to benzene exposure eg. bladder cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, renal cell carcinoma etc.
I’m quite concerned that another exemption to the benzene emission standards will continue this trend. I worry about the continued impact of elevated benzene exposure on my family and my children. Other physicians have left this already underserviced community due to concerns with regard to the previous exemptions Algoma Steel has been granted.
There is no justification for granting another exemption; the effect of ongoing benzene exposure is well documented and unfortunately evident in our community. As well, the argument from Algoma Steel that they can’t meet current regulations and remain profitable doesn’t reflect their own business practices; Algoma Steel (and the multiple other companies that have owned the steel making facilities here over the past several decades) have had many years where they have managed to meet the existing regulations.
Please do the right thing and deny this exemption rather than continue to contribute to the suffering and loss which is so prevalent in this community.