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Arsenic is everywhere

When you mention arsenic in Yellowknife you certainly get some very strange reactions. Some people, particularly in various levels of government, just want to bury their heads in the sand or give out very garbled information. Meanwhile, other people almost go into a panic and make some very outlandish claims. Neither approach helps most people understand the issues or come up with sensible solutions.

I have heard some people say that they will no longer drink the city water, swim in any of the local lakes, eat wild foods or step foot in certain areas, all because of the arsenic. Some want big signs the size of billboards put up to warn visitors, tourists and residents of the evils of arsenic. I would consider these to be rather extreme measures.

So, lets step back a bit. Arsenic is a relatively common and widespread element. Volcanoes and undersea vents spew it out. It can be found in a lot of rocks, in the soil and since it is water soluble, in water. It has been part of the planet, its ecology and ecosystem for billions of years, since the planet was formed.

The oceans contain on average 1.7 parts per billion (ppb) of arsenic. There is a lot of water in the world's oceans, so that is a lot of arsenic. Most lakes, rivers, streams and ponds around the world contain arsenic. In fact, I think you would be hard pressed to find a body of water that didn’t contain arsenic. So, if you are going to start putting up signs you are going to need an incredible number of them. Also, you will never swim, bathe, shower or drink water again because chances are it will contain arsenic.

2508walD
Columnist Walt Humphries points readers to great information included on the Oregon Health Authority's website about arsenic. The information includes levels of arsenic content that is safe for activities including drinking, swimming, garden irrigation and cooking. Humphries suggests any Yellowknifer made nervous by arsenic in the area check out this information.
August 2017

So, the question becomes how much arsenic is acceptable and how much is deemed to be harmful. The standard in the USA and Canada for arsenic is 10 ppb or less. That is the same standard used for bottled water and I am willing to bet most bottled water contains arsenic. That standard is for water you use every day of your life. So, if you just drink out of a lake once or even occasionally, it could have a higher level and still be safe. Finding data in Canada is always a chore but the Oregon Health Authority has a great site. I would suggest the city, GNWT or anyone interested in this topic take a look at it.

The Oregon site says for water, 10 ppb or less is safe for drinking, cooking and all domestic uses. Between 10 and 99 ppb, the water shouldn’t be drunk regularly or used for cooking but it is safe for bathing, washing dishes, laundry and irrigating gardens. Between 100 and 499 ppb, it is safe for domestic uses including swimming but should not be used for irrigating gardens because the arsenic could build up in the soil. And at more than 500 ppb, don’t use it at all. Simple, understandable and straight forward.

Whether the fish in any given lake are safe to eat would involve testing the fish and how often people eat them. People have to realize that lots of foods contain arsenic and it depends in part on the arsenic levels in the soil and water where they are grown.

Apparently, Brussels sprouts, rice and seafoods tend to have higher levels of arsenic, as do beer and wines. So, you have a good excuse not to eat your Brussels Sprouts and perhaps the liquor store needs a sign warning people about the arsenic in beer and wine. Mind you, when consuming liquor, arsenic is a pretty small hazard compared to the effects of alcohol.

As for local foods, you would have to test them and then compare that with what is available in stores and how much arsenic that produce contains. Worldwide, arsenic is in the water and the food people eat and it always has been. I think people would be shocked at how much arsenic is in some of the imported foods and drinks they consume.

Too much arsenic is a problem but since it has always been around and all life on the planet, including humans, have evolved in its presence, I would suggest that too little

would be as big a problem as too much. The trick is too find that balance and act sensibly to achieve it.