New Study Shows Arsenic Exposure May Lead To Melanoma
Playground Equipment, Water Can Contain Dangerous Levels Of Arsenic
POSTED: Thursday, October 14, 2004
Arsenic can be found in your drinking water and in your child's playground equipment. A new study shows that arsenic exposure can lead to a form of skin cancer, melanoma.You may not think twice about allowing your children on playground equipment. Slides, swings and seesaws are part of the fun of a playground.But a Ruth to the Rescue investigation found a lot of playground equipment is dangerous, because it's made WITH WOOD THAT is treated with a chemical called cromated copper arsenate, a compound containing arsenic."Arsenic in the water is associated with the development of many kinds of cancers, the development of heart disease, diabetes, lung disease," said Michael Harburt, a local doctor who specializes in enviromental medicine.A Ruth to the Rescue investigation three years ago found playscapes with dangerous arsenic levels throughout metro Detroit."The issue of playground equipment with arsenic in it is still very real. There have been very few of these playgrounds that have been appropriately sealed or torn down," said Harbut.Harbut said a new study from the American Journal of Epidemiology is the first to link arsenic exposure to an increased risk of malignant melanoma. That means if your children play on this kind of equipment, they're at risk."Arsenic gets on the skin, the kids eat, or bite their fingernails, or pick their nose. They do the things that kids do when they're playing, and they will swallow the arsenic," said Harbut. Arsenic is also in well water. Lynn Casey believes it made her sick. "I had great difficulty breathing, some stomach problems, some skin problems," she said. Federal standards for acceptable arsenic levels are going down, from 50 parts per billion, to 10 parts per billion. But some experts believe even that isn't enough."The data has shown that down to two parts per billion, there is a risk," said Harbut. "We know that cancers and malignant melanoma will be caused by levels which the government says are acceptable," he said.If you have well water, Harbut advises that you drink distilled water whenever possible.And if you're not sure whether your child's wooden playground equipment is contaminated, err on the side of safety. Experts advise that you asked your child's school officials if the playground is free of arsenic.Find out more about arsenic and melanoma by clicking here.
Previous Stories:
- February 12, 2002: Lumber Industry To Remove Arsenic-Based Pesticide
- July 25, 2001: Investigation: Poison Playgrounds Thrive
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