New test results indicate that farm animals in Reyðarfjörður in the East Fjords have not been affected by the failure of pollution control equipment at Alcoa aluminum smelter in October.

As reported earlier, it was thought that there might be high levels of fluoride in hay at several farms nearby the smelter which could lead to deformities in the animals’ teeth and bones.

Data submitted to the Food and Veterinarian Authority (MAST) by Alcoa Fjarðaál in the East Fjords later indicated that the quantity of fluorine in the hay was in all instances below the maximum limit.

The results of the new bone sample study, which was carried about by veterinarian Freydís Dana Sigurðardóttir and the University of Iceland, the Innovation Center Iceland and the East Iceland Nature Center, found no indications of fluorine poisoning in the animals due to the temporary increase in fluorine pollution, visir.is reports.

Environmental manager at Alcoa Geir S. Hlöðversson said that once the company realized that their equipment was not functioning properly this summer and that damage had been done, the company responded immediately.

The affected area will continue to be monitored.

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ZR