The issue is whether there is a potential problem over a long period of time of exposure to these metals. Plough said in a news conference yesterday that officials are not aware of any short-term health effects from exposure to the substances. Other studies will be conducted to see if there have been health effects of any kind, he said. Long-term effects of arsenic exposure can include cancer of the skin, bladder, kidney, liver and lungs. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead.
Significant exposure can cause learning difficulties and stunted growth.
Plough and King County Executive Ron Sims said that test results are preliminary but that residents of the two islands and coastal areas of southwest King County should take precautions. That includes people in Federal Way, SeaTac, Burien and West Seattle. Lead testing was recommended only for children up to age 6 living on south Vashon and Maury islands. Experts said arsenic testing is not necessary because low levels in the body generally are not predictive of health effects. Plough said a study of 163 Ruston residents, who lived where heavy-metal emissions presumably were heaviest, found only one with elevated levels of arsenic or lead.