KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - This Wednesday, Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County will discuss the health implications of arsenic and lead recently confirmed in area soils. The findings, released in April by the State Department of Ecology, confirmed the presence of soil contamination above state clean-up standards in most of the locations sampled. The contamination is believed to have come from the now-closed Asarco copper smelter in Ruston, near Tacoma.
Dr. Plough will speak at the meeting of the Coalition of West Seattle Human Service Providers. Public Health staff will be on hand to answer questions following the presentation.
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
1:30 p.m.
Holly Hall (at High Point)
3204 SW Holly Street, Seattle
King County Executive Ron Sims said that while the preliminary results appear to suggest that the contamination is not an immediate concern, he does expect additional testing to provide more information. "It's important to do thorough testing so that we can make informed decisions." said Executive Sims.
Dr. Plough added, "Though not a health emergency, the contamination is troubling. Therefore, it is critical to do further sampling county-wide to determine the nature of this contamination and the possibility of exposure."
Long-term arsenic exposure is linked to liver, lung, prostate, bladder, kidney, and non-melanoma skin cancers. Arsenic does not appear to be linked to Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or other leukemias. Lead is a well-documented poison that causes a variety of health effects, including developmental delays and lowered IQ in children. Other health effects linked to long term lead exposure include brain and kidney damage. Children and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to lead.
Public Health is encouraging the state to fund additional studies that will provide a more complete picture of the contamination county-wide. In the meantime, concerned persons may test their own soils. Guidance for residential soil sampling as well as a link to the report may be found on Public Health's website.
While the state is responsible for providing a clean-up plan, Public Health advises families to take steps now to reduce exposure. These measures include:
- Wash hands before eating
- Remove shoes before entering the home
- Damp mop and wipe surfaces to keep dust under control
- Keep children and pets off of bare soils
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day. |
