Arsenic in Soil
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust. In Hawaiʻi, low levels of arsenic are found naturally in native soils. However, elevated levels of arsenic have been identified in soils at locations formerly used as sugar cane fields, pesticide mixing areas, sugar cane plantation camps, canec production plants, wood-treatment plants, and golf courses.
The resources provided on this page range from general information to technical guidance on soil arsenic in Hawaiʻi.
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
- Solubility/Bioavailability Research Consortium, Standard Operating Procedure: In Vitro Method for Determination of Lead and Arsenic Bioaccessibility
- Update to Soil Action Levels for Inorganic Arsenic and Recommended Soil Management Practices
- Background Metals in Soil
- Pesticide Contamination at Former Agriculture Facilities
- Arsenic Field Screening
- ATSDR Arsenic Website (Health Effects, Toxicological Profile, Sources etc.)
PUBLICATIONS
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Arsenic Fact Sheets -
Keaʻau Arsenic Assessment Since 2004, the HDOH has conducted studies to assess arsenic in the Keaʻau area of the island of Hawaiʻi. The following reports provide information on these investigations.
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Kīlauea, Kauaʻi Arsenic Assessment High soil arsenic levels were recently discovered in an area of the Aʻalona Place neighborhood in Kīlauea, Kauaʻi, which is believed to be the site of a former pesticide mixing area for a former sugar mill. The following fact sheet provides information on the investigation.
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Maps These maps show estimated sugarcane lands in the 1920-1937 timeframe, where arsenic herbicides could have been (but not necessarily were) used by the sugar plantations. These are areas where HDOH generally advises to test soil for arsenic residues, prior to redeveloping the land.
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East Kapolei Pesticide Mixing and Loading Site, ʻEwa, Oʻahu The link below provides a report and environmental hazard evaluation for this site.