"Based on the test results so far, we do not believe the residents are at risk," said Dr. Jeff Scott, in a release. "We will, however, continue our work. Blood and hair samples from many of the residents are being tested, with the results expected shortly."
Highlights of the findings in the Intergovernmental Monitoring Team Assessment of Source of Contamination report were shared with Frederick Street residents earlier this month. The report's final analysis is contained in the document released Wednesday.
A detailed health assessment in also underway.
CANTOX Environmental Inc., a scientific consulting firm specializing in health risk assessment, has been retained by the federal and provincial governments to conduct the study. Representatives will visit residents in the area to compile a more comprehensive health assessment.
Dr. Scott said he will discuss the results of the CANTOX assessment with the residents of Frederick Street as soon as they are available, in early to mid-August.
Frederick Street residents have been asking to be relocated since a yellow-colored goo was spotted oozing from a brook bank near their homes in May.
Soil samples tested earlier this month showed elevated levels of lead, poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and arsenic -- which was found to be 18.5 times higher than acceptable limits set out by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment.
Frederick Street borders the north side of the former coke ovens site, part of the , which includes the notorious Sydney tar ponds, containing 700,000 tonnes of toxic sludge left behind from nearly a century of steel making.
The area is fenced in with signs posted, warning of a human health hazard.
Read about the POISON CITY - Toronto Star, Atlantic Canada Bureau
