Arsenic is a substance found in the environment. It occurs naturally in crushed rock. It is often found near gold deposits and is extracted as part of gold mining activities. The extracted material is called mine tailing. Arsenic has also been used as a pesticide to protect animals, timber, fruit and vegetables from insects.
Mine tailings near gold mines may contain high levels of arsenic
Mine tailings are left over material from gold (and other forms of) mining. Mine tailing often looks like fine clay or sand and it commonly contains raised levels of arsenic.
Health effects
Arsenic is a well-known poison, but its effects on health depend on the total amount taken in by the body over time.
- Large amounts – of arsenic, taken in over a short time, can cause severe health effects or even death.
- Medium amounts – of arsenic, taken in over a longer time, may cause skin changes, damage to major body organs and some types of cancers.
- Small amounts – of arsenic can be taken in over long periods of time without any obvious health effects.
Arsenic may be breathed in or swallowed
Small amounts of arsenic are found naturally in soil, air, food and water. It usually enters the body via food and water, but mostly in food. Arsenic may be breathed in, when it is present in fine dust. It is not well absorbed though the skin. In areas with mine tailings, you can be exposed to extra arsenic from swallowing dust and soil from mine tailings.
Young children are at risk from arsenic in mine tailings
Young children are more at risk than adults from exposure to arsenic in mine tailings. This is because young children can swallow more dust and soil from crawling and putting their fingers or toys in their mouths.
Preventing exposure to arsenic in mine tailings
Children and adults who live near mine tailings are at risk of exposure to arsenic. The risk can be reduced if you:
- Reduce your exposure to mine tailing soil and dust.
- Do not allow young children to play in or eat mine tailings.
- Wash young children’s hands and their toys frequently.
- Bring in clean soil for vegetable garden beds and ensure all fruit and vegetables are washed before eating.
- Do not swim in or eat fish or yabbies from dams with walls made from mine tailings.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Your local council
- Department of Human Services, Environmental Health Tel. (03) 9637 4156
- Environment Protection Authority Tel. (03) 9695 2722
Things to remember
- Dust and soil from mine tailings often contain arsenic, so keep exposure to a minimum.
- Health effects depend on the amount of arsenic taken in by the body over time and the amount of arsenic swallowed.
- Children are more at risk as they swallow more soil or dust than adults.
- See your doctor if you have any concerns – a urine test maybe useful.
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