Rosewood residents tested for arsenic and lead

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — DHEC is conducting tests for arsenic and lead on Rosewood residents after elevated levels of both arsenic and lead were found in the area last month. The affected area includes Easy Street, Howe Street and Corning Road. Officials are trying to determine possible exposure. Officials ask that if you have children who live in the affected area to have them tested. “This testing today is not being done because we’ve identified any specific health problems in this community. We’ve identified elevated levels of arsenic and lead, ” says Jim Beasley, DHEC Spokesperson. Beasley says precaution is key here. “There is no reason whatsover to panic, what this is all about is trying to be proactive, trying to find out the extent of any contamination and whether or not it’s presenting any problems for residents of this community,” says Beasley. The contamination was foud in nearby yards just two weeks ago. “We’ve heard a lot of concerns about the actual area and the contamination and the level of the contamination,” says Columbia City Councilman, Moe Baddourah. But as Councilman Baddourah pointed out, some of the residents in the area have lived there for more than 40 years. Monday, Baddourah spent time offering transportation to the clinic for testing to residents, including senior citizens. For him, children are also a big concern. “Absolutely, of course who wouldn’t be I mean I just, you know the children are what we live for and what we build our cities for,” says Baddourah. Officials say the arsenic levels here could date back to the early 1940’s when a fertilizer plant was located nearby. Crandall Sims reporting, “We are told officials with the Environmental Protection Agency have been called in. They were here over the weekend doing surface checks, they will be back again tomorrow to actually drill in the ground. We are told they will go at least 2 feet into the ground to find out just how far down this contamination goes.” The free tests will be administered Monday and Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Edisto Discovery Park Community Center at 1914 Wiley Street in Columbia. Long term health effects associated with arsenic include: (from DHEC) Darkening of the skin and small “corns” or “warts” on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and torso. A sensation of “pins and needles” in hands and feet. Abnormal hearty rhythm Skin contact can cause redness and swelling Increase in the risk of skin cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer and lung cancer. Short terms affects of arsenic include: (from DHEC) Nausea, vomiting and can result in death In men, damage to male organs. In pregnant women, could lead to miscarriage. The long term health affects of lead include: (from DHEC) Small increases in blood pressure Weakness in fingers, wrists or ankles Decreased performance in some tests that measure functions of the nervous system. Short term effects of lead: (from DHEC) Damage to the brain and kidneys, leading to death. In men, damage to the male organs. In pregnant women, could lead to miscarriage.