Risk of Mesothelioma Caused by Sunrise Propane Blast

Nearly two weeks after the devastating Toronto explosion, several reports are stating that Sunrise Propane Company was involved in an illegal transfer of propane just before the blast occurred on August 10.

Some believe the illegal activities may have caused the explosion. According to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (Ontario’s independent fuel safety regulator), a truck driver was transferring propane from one truck to another just before the plant exploded, a process that is banned in Ontario.

According to a statement from the TSSA, "Further investigation has concluded that the prohibited unsafe practice of transferring propane from one truck to another was a frequent operating practice at the facility." The practice is illegal because of the increased risk of fire or gas leakage. In the past, TSSA has cited Sunrise multiple times for this same infraction, yet they have refused to stop.

It’s not clear whether the propane transfer actually caused the explosion, but Sunrise Propane had its license revoked. In addition, six other propane facilities have been shut down this week after an inspection blitz that uncovered more safety violations.

Around 12,000 people live in the nearby neighborhood of Sunrise Propane, and many were evacuated the morning of the explosion. In addition, several streets within the neighborhood were temporarily closed due to multiple concerns about asbestos findings at the site. This is a major concern since exposure to asbestos has been known to cause several forms of asbestos cancer.

Many homeowners face extensive repairs, and some are still not allowed to return home because of the threat asbestos exposure. Most of these homes were originally constructed with asbestos-containing materials, and any amount of damage to these materials may potentially release asbestos fibers into the air. When these fibers are inhaled or ingested, asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestos can arise later in life.

Mesothelioma
Cancer results from asbestos exposure