Arsenic Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Minneapolis
Minneapolis is contaminated with arsenic, according to the EPA.
The
following are frequently asked questions (FAQ) about arsenic contamination.
What is arsenic?
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element
widely distributed in the earth's crust. In the environment, arsenic is combined
with oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur to form inorganic arsenic compounds. Arsenic
in animals and plants combines with carbon and hydrogen to form organic arsenic
compounds.
Inorganic arsenic compounds are mainly used to preserve wood.
Copper chromated arsenic (CCA) is used to make "pressure-treated" lumber. CCA is
no longer used in the U.S. for residential uses; it is still used in industrial
applications. Organic arsenic compounds may be used as pesticides, primarily on
cotton plants.
Potential Sources of Arsenic
While arsenic
is a natural occurring element in low concentrations, the primary source for
high concentrations of arsenic in South Minneapolis was thought to be the former
CMC Site. This is why the residential property investigation began and was
expanded based on wind deposition patterns originating from the Site. EPA, MDA
and MDH staff continue to review soil analytical results to better determine if
the Site is the only potential source of arsenic, and the extent of impacts.
Other sources could be residential use of pesticides containing arsenic in yards
and gardens, lumber treated with copper chromium arsenate (CCA), or other
sources.
What is a safe level of arsenic?
Any physical or
health risk from arsenic depends upon the concentration of arsenic one is
exposed to, how long the exposure lasts and how the exposure occurred. Simply
having arsenic in one’s yard does not equal an exposure. Ingestion is typically
of most concern, but dermal or inhalation should also be minimized. Personal
habits to avoid or minimize exposure include maintaining a healthy lawn cover to
reduce contact with any contaminated soil, washing and peeling of vegetables
grown in potentially contaminated soil – especially root vegetables – prior to
eating or cooking, washing of hands after working or playing in the soil, and
removal of shoes worn in areas of contamination prior to entering one’s
home.
What will the residential cleanup goal be for
arsenic?
The emergency cleanups of residential properties by the EPA
are presently based on an acute level of 95 parts per million (ppm). While the
local naturally occurring background level for arsenic has not been determined
it is anticipated to be somewhere between ten (10) and seventeen (17) ppm. The
actual residential cleanup goal for arsenic in South Mpls is still under review
by the EPA and MDH, but can be anticipated to be above the naturally occurring
background level and below the acute level used for the emergency
cleanups.
Why is the EPA not prioritizing soil sampling of properties
with children?
The 2006 residential soil sampling project did not
segregate out properties with children for priority sampling. Instead the EPA
felt that a uniform and consistent sampling plan of going door to door, block by
block would be the most efficient approach to sample all properties as soon as
possible. Also, because of the transient nature of some neighborhoods,
segregating out homes with children could result in newly arrived children not
being sampled, or sampling of properties where children had recently moved out.
Day care centers, schools and parks were included in the sampling
effort.
What is the MDA or EPA doing?
The MDA and the EPA
completed the sampling of approximately 3000 residential properties in South
Mpls during May-June 2006. The results of this major soil sampling project will
be provided to property owners within approximately 90 days of the sampling.
This brings the total residential properties sampled to about 4000. The results
of the soil sampling will be reviewed by the EPA and MDA to determine if a
pattern can be found that can be used to determine where high levels of arsenic
may be found, and aid in determining a source or sources of the
arsenic.
What is the status of the neighborhood being listed on EPA’s
National Priority List (NPL)?
The MDA requested that the EPA consider
adding the Neighborhood to the NPL in 2004. This request included the Governor’s
written support to the EPA. While the process to list a site is long and
requires several steps, it is progressing. At present the EPA is anticipating
that the site may be ready to be proposed for listing sometime in late 2006.
Once proposed for listing there is a 60 day public comment period. If there are
no significant comments that would affect the listing the site would then become
final on the NPL. As the status of the process changes, updates will be
provided.
Will the EPA be conducting a Risk Assessment & how does
the public become involved?
The EPA will be conducting a Risk
Assessment as a part of the Remedial Investigation process. The Assessment is
underway, but not completed at this time. The EPA will be conducting community
meetings to update residents on the status and what is involved in the process.
To be a part of the process it is recommended that concerned residents and
community or neighborhood groups request to be placed on the EPA’s mailing list
for public comment periods and updates. See below for EPA contact
information.
Will the MDH or the EPA conduct a Health Study or Health
Consultation & what is the difference?
The MDH will be releasing
their Health Consultation sometime in late summer 2006. The Health Consultation
may be released at a joint community meeting with the EPA as a part of the EPA’s
Risk Assessment update. The difference between a Health Study and a Health
Consultation is that a Health Consultation compiles environmental data and
assesses the possible exposure routes, it also describes toxic effects of
contaminants of concern; a Health Study is an investigation of peoples'
exposures to toxic substances and associated effects on the
body.
Should I get tested for arsenic exposure?
MDH is not
encouraging individuals to get tested for arsenic at this time. Because arsenic
is a common environmental element, it is found in food items at very low
concentrations. If you decide to get tested for arsenic, it is likely that low
concentrations of arsenic will be found in human hair, blood, and urine samples
due to dietary sources. Collection and interpretation of human biological
arsenic data should be conducted by a trained professional familiar with
environmental arsenic investigations such as an occupational doctor.
If you believe your health may have been affected, or that you may have property damage due to arsenic poisoning, it is important to have dedicated arsenic lawyers on your side. The law firm of Weitz and Luxenberg has experience defending victims of environmental pollutants and is dedicated to helping. For a free case evaluation, fill out the form below.
see also:
W&L Press Release
Firm press release on arsenic contamination in Minneapolis. Legal InfoPress Release: W&L responds to Arsenic contamination in Minneapolis
Learn More
Dangerous Arsenic Concern for South Minneapolis residents Learn more - Dangerous arsenic affecting South Minneapolis, Minnesota
Research Center
Minneapolis, MN residents: Know the important arsenic information Minneapolis, MN is home to dangerous Arsenic pollution - Learn more
