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Arsenic and lead are toxic metals and can be harmful to human health, especially for children. They pollute the soil in many parts of Washington, and can also be found in products used in our daily lives. Arsenic can be found in pressure-treated wood and pesticides. Sources of lead include old paint, gasoline, and lead plumbing.

This page provides links to important information about health risks and how to avoid exposure to arsenic and lead.

• The guide General Information about Arsenic and Lead in Soil provides information about arsenic and lead exposure and how to protect your and your children’s health.

Information about arsenic

• Fact Sheet: Arsenic in the Environment (Washington Department of Health), Added June 2003
   
• Information about arsenic-treated wood products

Information about lead

• Fact Sheet: Lead Poisoning (Washington Department of Health), Updated January, 2006
   
• Fact Sheet: Lead and Your Health (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences), Updated June, 2003
   
• Occupational Lead Exposure: An Alert for Workers (Department of Labor and Industries), Added October, 1999
   
• Working with Lead: How to Protect Workers’ Health (Department of Labor and Industries), Added January, 2000