Health Protection

What is arsenic?

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in the Earth’s crust. It is found in soil, water, plants and animals. Arsenic is tasteless and odourless.

What is arsenic used for?                                                                           

It has been used since the last century as an effective herbicide to destroy vegetation. It was commonly used by railway and hydro companies to control weed growth along their right-of-ways. Use of arsenic as a herbicide ceased by 1970 but residual arsenic may remain at some sites where it was applied in the past.

Since arsenic occurs naturally in the environment, everyone is exposed to low, harmless levels. The most common sources of exposure to arsenic are:

• Eating food, drinking water or breathing air containing arsenic. Shellfish in particular can accumulate arsenic.

• Breathing sawdust or smoke from burning wood treated with arsenic.

Is Arsenic Harmful to Health?

The effects of arsenic depend on the amount, the length of exposure, the way you were exposed and whether other chemicals are present. Lower levels of exposure may cause pain in the digestive tract, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also cause damage to body tissues and systems possibly leading to liver or kidney damage. Ingesting or inhaling low levels of arsenic over a long period of time may cause a darkening of the skin and small “corns” to develop on the palms, soles of feet and torso. Breathing in high levels of arsenic can result in a sore throat or lung irritation. Ingesting high levels of arsenic through food or water can be fatal.

How Can I Reduce Exposure to Arsenic?

• Wash your hands and face and those of children after working or playing outdoors.
• Discourage children from eating soil or sucking on dirty objects and keep play areas and toys clean.
• Thoroughly wash all vegetables and peel root crops.
• If you are working in soil around your home be sure to wear gloves and avoid inhaling dust. When the job is finished, leave all tools and equipment outside to avoid bringing soil into your home.
• Arsenic is found in cigarettes, so avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.
• If you use arsenic treated wood, you should wear dust masks, gloves and protective clothing to decrease exposure to sawdust.
• Do not burn pressure treated lumber or any other object known to contain arsenic.

How Would I Know if I Have Been Exposed?

Your doctor can test for arsenic in your urine but since it only stays in your body for a short time tests should be done soon after exposure.

How is Arsenic Regulated in the Environment?

The Ministry of Environment has rules on how arsenic is disposed of and cleaned up. Municipal drinking water is checked to be sure arsenic is at acceptable and safe levels.

What Happens When Contamination is Found in the Soil?