TTC agrees to arrange third-party study of subway air quality
The TTC has agreed to arrange a third-party study of the subway's air quality

TheStar.com
May 23, 2017
Alanna Rizza

The TTC has agreed to arrange a third-party study of the subway system’s air quality after researchers discovered high levels of pollution.

TTC CEO Andy Byford and union representatives met on Tuesday to discuss the union’s concerns that employees are being exposed to potentially harmful substances at work.

“We know the air quality is terrible, there is no safe level of the particulates,” Kevin Morton, secretary-treasurer of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, told reporters after the meeting.

The third-party study would determine if respirators are necessary for TTC employees to use while at work.

According to a statement from the TTC “Wearing an off-the-shelf respirator in an occupation like operator or special constable, where the science does not support their need today, is not permitted.”

TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said more information regarding the study will be brought to the union in about two weeks.

Last month ATU Local 113 demanded an emergency meeting with TTC officials to discuss steps being taken following the release of a study that found concentrations of fine dust matter in the TTC subway were about 10 times greater than the air outside and is equivalent to high levels of pollution in Beijing.

Morton said if the terms of reference are agreed upon, the study could start within a month.