A group of researchers based in Hamilton has uncovered insights into the issue of soot accumulation in neighborhoods near the city’s industrial zone. Residents have long voiced concerns about a dirty, dark substance covering their properties, with a recent surge in fallout described as particularly severe.
Sarah Styler, an associate professor specializing in environmental chemistry at McMaster University, and Grace Yao, a PhD candidate under Styler’s guidance, are part of a study titled “What’s the Grime?”. By collaborating with volunteers to gather samples across the city in 2024 and 2025, the team discovered that the soot comprises hazardous chemicals typically associated with coal burning. Moreover, elevated levels of dust and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in proximity to the industrial precinct in northeast Hamilton.
Styler collaborated with Environment Hamilton on this investigation, supported by a $15,000 grant awarded by the university in 2024. Both Styler and Yao, residing in east Hamilton and Corktown respectively, have personal encounters with the soot issue. The study involved the collection of soot samples from 50 volunteers’ residences across the city using sampling kits. These samples were analyzed regularly at four-month intervals.
According to Styler, the research revealed that higher dust deposition occurs nearer to the industrial sector, with a greater presence of toxic compounds in those areas. An update shared on the Environment Hamilton website indicated that PAH levels exhibited seasonal variations, being higher during winter than summer.
Although the study focused on 13 types of PAHs, Styler emphasized that other toxic substances may also be present in the grime, describing it as a viscous mess. Despite resource constraints limiting the scope of the examination, Yao highlighted the significant role of coal combustion in producing the PAHs identified.
Styler acknowledged that while the study does not pinpoint the specific industrial sources generating the PAHs, continuous monitoring and enhanced analytical capabilities could shed light on this aspect. The team plans to present their findings at a community meeting on August 20 and aims to expand the study to include 200 volunteers for a more comprehensive analysis of the compounds in the grime, including exploring effective cleaning methods.
