A research team in Hamilton has uncovered insights into the issue of soot accumulation in neighborhoods close to the city’s industrial zone. This problem, which has plagued residents for decades, resurfaced in early July with what some described as the most severe fallout in recent memory.
Led by Sarah Styler, an associate professor of environmental chemistry at McMaster University, and Grace Yao, a PhD candidate in Styler’s lab, the study titled “What’s the Grime?” aimed to address the origins of the soot. Through sample collection across the city in 2024 and 2025, researchers discovered that the soot contained harmful chemicals associated with coal combustion, with higher levels of dust and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) near the industrial area in northeast Hamilton.
Collaborating with Environment Hamilton, Styler conducted the study with 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. Styler highlighted the long-standing nature of the problem, citing historical references dating back to the 1950s found by Yao in news archives.
The study involved collecting soot samples from 50 volunteers’ homes throughout the city using sampling kits. Analysis revealed that more dust and toxic compounds were present closer to the industrial sector in northeast Hamilton. The team also observed higher PAH levels during winter compared to summer.
While the study focused on 13 different PAHs, Styler noted that there could be other toxic substances within the soot. Despite limitations, Yao emphasized the significant role of coal combustion in producing the PAHs identified in the study.
Styler acknowledged that the findings might not be surprising to residents experiencing the fallout, linking the soot to industrial emissions near coke plants. However, locals have expressed frustration over a perceived lack of official information on the matter.
The team plans to present their results at a community meeting on August 20, with further findings to be shared after peer review. They aim to expand the study to 200 volunteers, investigate more compounds in the grime, and explore effective cleaning methods for the affected areas.