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On January 3, 1996, a report on the cancer risks of working in Ontario nickel mines was released and presented to the Company and to your Union.

The Report says that there are HIGHER RISKS for different cancers in different areas of mining and processing. The Report was prepared by the Ontario Occupational Disease Panel by experts at McMaster University who also conduct studies for the company and the union Joint Occupational Health Committee (JOHC). Prior to its release, the Report was reviewed by independent experts.

The study included over 60,000 people who had worked for INCO or Falconbridge in Ontario. The study counted the number of cancer cases reported during the years 1964 - 1989. Management and staff were included.

Much of the results reflect the working conditions and processes of the past. In Sudbury and Port Colborne some of the areas where refining, smelting, leaching, calcining and sintering occurred were already known to cause cancer. The Report confirms our concerns and our actions in pressuring the company to clean up the workplace. It is fortunate we were successful in cleaning up many places because we are now seeing the effects that we predicted as a result of previous levels of exposure.

  THIS IS NOT JUST A PROBLEM OF THE PAST

Some results suggest that the cancer risks are not just in the past. There is still cause for concern in the mines, the mills, and in the copper refinery in Sudbury. Office and technical members who work in these areas may also be at risk. Although Thompson, Manitoba was not included in the study we believe that similar processes and workplaces suggest a similar risk of cancer can exist there too.

CANCER IS NOT INEVITABLE. There are many substances that can cause cancer including diesel emissions, asbestos, drilling oils sulphur acid mists, cigarette smoke etc.

1. REPORT ALL HAZARDOUS CIRCUMSTANCES especially those which you believe may cause cancer. Check WHMIS labels, request MSDS Sheets, and make sure operating equipment is not malfunctioning.
2. Ensure equipment, especially diesel, is properly maintained.
3. Request adequate ventilation in your workplace. Personal Protective equipment can be made available to you and you should request it, but this is no substitute for proper ventilation.
4. If you have or know someone who has or had lung, laryngeal, or nasal cancer you or the person affected or their survivor should contact the Local Union Workers'' Compensation representatives.

The Union has discussed the contents of the Report with INCO officials. The company has not accepted responsibility, and is requesting more studies. Your Union is prepared to work cooperatively to advance safe work conditions or to work them out at the negotiating table, if necessary.