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[APD] Re: Ironite



Hello Laura,

In what FORM is the arsenic present in ironite, i.e. which arsenic
compounds are present? This would make a big difference in the toxicity
of that arsenic.

Best,

George


> 
> OK; I know it's off topic but...
> 
> I too, am VERY skeptical of this sort of thing.  So,
> as I was interested, I looked further than the ironite
> lawsuit press release.  By looking at the Washington
> State fertilizer ingredient webpage (given on the
> press release) I found that Ironite contains 4380 ppm
> arsenic.  So, I did some quick and dirty math.  Let's
> assume that I broadcase Ironite in my garden at the
> recommended rate (5 lbs per 1000 square feet), and
> that it is mixed into the top 3 inches of soil (let's
> assume I am mainly using it as a top dressing and not
> mixing deeper than 3").  Therfore, I would be
> increasing this soils arsenic concentration by 0.94
> ppm.  Let's assume I do this every spring for 21 years
> (not unheard of).  I have then increased the arsenic
> concentration in my soil by 19.87 ppm.  Note that the
> EPA Superfund cleanup level for arsenic is 20 ppm.  In
> addition, soils contain background arsenic levels to
> beging with, so my real time to reach this
> concentration would be shorter than 20 years.
> 
> Ironite's website claims that vegetables grown on soil
> treated with Ironite do not contain increased levels
> of arsenic due to the type of arsenic in Ironite.
> However, from a health standpoint, that's not the
> issue.  Most plants do not take up inorganic arsenic.
> The problem arises from direct contact with arsenic in
> the soil, ingestion of the soil particles (e.g. on
> veggies), and inhalation of the soil dust.  Children
> are especially at risk; it is estimated that children
> ingest about 200 mg/day of soil (100 mg/day for
> adults)
> 
> So, learning this, I'm uncomfortable with the
> following potential scenario:  I buy a house from an
> 80-year old retiree, who has gardened in the same spot
> for 30 years.  I remove the garden and plant grass.
> Should I let my child play there?
> 
> Risk assessors have formulas to calculate risk based
> on the amount of arsenic in the soil and the age of
> the person there, as well as how often they are there
> and other factors.  I don't know how to do this, but I
> would not knowingly bring my child to a playground
> with 20 ppm arsenic in the soil.  Never mind having it
> in my back yard.
> 
> -Laura
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