'Putrid chemical stench' from controversial Toronto transit project angers locals

A strong chemical smell wafted across multiple Toronto neighbourhoods last week, and locals have tied the concerning stench to a transit project in the area.

Local residents are speaking out about the installation of RapidTO transit priority lanes on Dufferin Street last week, an already-controversial project adding priority red-coloured lanes along a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the artery since Nov. 16.

A concerned local reached out to blogTO and other media outlets last week regarding a "chemical stench" emanating from the work area between Dundas St. W. and Queen St. W.

Adam Wynne shared that, on the evening of Nov. 21, workers "applied significant quantities of either a MMA (Methyl Methacrylate), Thermoplast, or a similar road surface product."

Wynne wrote that "As part of the installation process, they have left hundreds of open and partially used multi-gallon buckets of the product along the workzone," and noted that "The truck that was collecting the buckets had a Dangerous Goods 1243 sign on it indicating some type of methyl or methyl formate product on board."

Wynne says he was surprised to see the work area in this state, and noted that work crews were situated roughly 600 metres away from the stacks of open drums and buckets at the time of his visit.

"The chemical stench from the product is absolutely putrid and spans multiple blocks east of Dufferin Street through much of West Queen West, Little Portugal, Beaconsfield Village (including the entire Alexander Muir / Gladstone Avenue Junior and Senior Public School) eastward to Ossington Avenue," wrote Wynne.

"The stench is overpowering through the entire neighbourhood as of 4:00 a.m. this morning and appears to slowly be making its way northeast towards Dufferin Grove and Trinity Bellwoods."

Wynne noted that workers on site — employed by Guild Electric — were equipped with full respirators, and claims to have not been given a clear answer when confronting crews on the smell.

In an email directed at RapidTO staff, Guild Electric, local councillors, school board representatives, and media, Wynne asks "Are there any health concerns from the fumes and road surface product that the surrounding neighbourhoods should be aware of?"

Wynne also asks about concerns for TDSB students/parents and about any potential steps to mitigate the smell. 

Alan Malolos, Principal at Alexander Muir/Gladstone Jr. & Sr. Public School and The Grove Community School, said, "I can attest to complaints we've also received [...] about the smell."

RapidTO confirmed in a follow-up email that the substance being used for the red lane surfaces is indeed MMA, which a representative of the project describes as "a durable road marking material widely used in Toronto and other cities for crosswalks, lane markings, bike lanes, and bus lanes. MMA is chosen for its long lifespan, skid resistance, and visibility."

The representative explains that the City uses MMA "because of its durability, fast curing time, and improved anti-slip properties compared to conventional traffic paints," and stresses that the material is non-toxic.

As for the smell, RapidTO maintains that "Open-air application is the recommended method to ensure proper ventilation."

"As with any pavement marking installation, there is an expected level of odour while the material is being placed and curing. MMA in particular has a strong, acrylic-like odour during application."

According to RapidTO, "The smell can be noticeable in the immediate area, but it is temporary and expected to dissipate as the material cures, typically within a couple of days after installation."

"While the odour can be unpleasant, the levels experienced outdoors do not pose a health risk to nearby residents or passersby."