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Public Health Services A Shared Service of Cape Breton District Health Authority CBDHA Guysborough Antigonish Strai

Brochure. . Learning Objectives. Identify sources of arsenicDiscuss health effects of arsenicReview actions for reducing exposures to arsenic. Description. Naturally occurring heavy metal found in earth's crustWhite to light gray powder. Arsenic used in. Metal glue, bulletsWood preservative to prevent rot and insect damagePesticides insecticides, fungicides, herbicidesCeramic enamels, glass, and fireworksLead acid batteries.

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Public Health Services A Shared Service of Cape Breton District Health Authority CBDHA Guysborough Antigonish Strai

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    1. Public Health Services A Shared Service of Cape Breton District Health Authority (CBDHA) & Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority (GASHA)

    2. Brochure

    3. Learning Objectives Identify sources of arsenic Discuss health effects of arsenic Review actions for reducing exposures to arsenic

    4. Description Naturally occurring heavy metal found in earth’s crust White to light gray powder

    5. Arsenic used in Metal glue, bullets Wood preservative to prevent rot and insect damage Pesticides – insecticides, fungicides, herbicides Ceramic enamels, glass, and fireworks Lead acid batteries

    6. Other Sources of Arsenic Natural erosion of rock and soil releases arsenic Forest fires Burning coal and oil, mining activities Cigarette smoke Getting rid of garbage

    7. How Are We Exposed? Ingestion Drinking water Food grown in contaminated soil Inhalation Dust from sand blasting Smoke from burning arsenic treated wood Workplace Mining Metal processing by-product Burning fossil fuels

    8. Arsenic and Your Health Skin irritations: redness and swelling, dark discoloration, scaly Nausea and vomiting Sore throat, lung irritation Nerve damage Possible danger to unborn baby Low red and white blood cells (anemia) Heart conditions Cancer – lung, liver, skin

    9. Tests to Determine Exposure to Arsenic Urine – most accurate test for exposure within the last few days Blood Hair and nails – identifies high levels of exposure or exposure over 6 – 12 months

    10. How to Reduce Risk Avoid products with arsenic Wash vegetables thoroughly that are grown in contaminated soil Have drinking water tested and treat if needed, or use an alternate source Wear protective equipment if sanding pressure treated wood (wood preservative industry voluntarily agreed to stop making arsenic-based pressure treated wood) If exposed at work shower and change clothes before leaving

    11. Reduce Children’s Exposure to Arsenic Children are more at risk due to playing activities and hand – to – mouth behavior Apply a sealer over pressure treated items that children may contact – decks, swing sets Plant grass over bare patches of soil Make sure children wash hands, especially before meals Wash play areas and toys often

    12. Resources ATSDR ToxFAQs www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts2.pdf Health Canada www.hc-gc.ca

    13. In Review What is arsenic and how are we exposed to it How does arsenic effect our health How can we reduce our exposure to arsenic

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