Arsenic form is safe, says health minister

Feb. 2, 2009

The latest round of test results show there is no health risk from arsenic in Blackville, says Health Minister Mike Murphy.

Murphy spoke at a press conference Thursday afternoon in Fredericton where he said none of the latest test results show any indication of inorganic arsenic.

"I think the residents of Blackville should breathe a sigh of relief."

The test results came after months of fear in the small community since seven confirmed cases of elevated levels of arsenic have been confirmed in Blackville residents since December 2007.

One of those cases involved the toxic inorganic form, while the rest were the organic form, which Health Canada does not consider to be a health issue.

Murphy said 99 people were tested and with more than half the results back, the evidence indicates there is no toxicity.

"There certainly is nothing to indicate a public health risk."

With the latest tests, eight of the urine samples showed elevated levels of organic arsenic and 20 tested for elevated total arsenic, but did not differentiate between the different types.

The health department has done an epidemiological study and worked with the Environment and Natural Resources Departments as they try to pinpoint a source, he said.

"Everything has clearly indicated there is no public risk in Blackville. The fact is, however, that there has been some angst, some concern that has been raised and we have responded to the needs of the community."

During a public meeting held Jan. 22, the province's chief medical officer Dr. Eilish Cleary told residents the government should have done more to deal with concerns in the community.

Murphy said the Health Department will set up a toll-free number for residents to get information about the arsenic situation and the regional health authority will support the Blackville health centre and physicians to help get tests done faster.

"There is no public health risk here, but we will continue to follow suit to determine what has been the origin of the organic arsenic, which is expelled by the body."

Investigators tested water in wells around the initial cases and took ground samples in search of inorganic arsenic, he said.

"There have been no sources of inorganic arsenic found anywhere."

Murphy said the urine samples identified organic arsenic, but blood samples that came back with elevated levels of arsenic will be reviewed to confirm whether it is the organic or inorganic form.

"But based upon all of the samples taken so far, based upon the epidemiological survey, the investigations and all the evidence there is an extreme unlikelihood of any inorganic arsenic whatsoever."

The chief medical officer will continue to monitor the situation and eventually the investigation will come to a conclusion, he said.

"Some times a conclusion doesn't necessarily point to what the cause will be. "

Murphy said a conclusion won't come for several weeks so they can make sure everyone is satisfied, in a good state of health and don't have any concerns.

"At some point we will review all the facts as we see them and make a conclusion."

Blackville councillor Jonathan Brennan said residents are happy to see the results coming back, but are still uneasy about the situation.

"We still don't know what to think about the organic and inorganic."

Village councillors are scheduled to meet with Murphy and Southwest Miramichi MLA Rick Brewer Wednesday and Brennan said he hopes something will come from it.

"There's obviously a source out there. We're very concerned, there's no doubt about it."

Brennan said the toll-free number is a good idea, if they have answers and added he would like to see one place where everyone can go to for further testing.

"It should have been that way with the blood tests."