High Arsenic Levels Reported at NJ Beach

Piles of slag and iron were tested this past weekend at Keyport Beach for iron and arsenic. The reports verified high levels of arsenic found at the beach, according to NJ Congressman Frank Pallone.

The test results prompted the State of New Jersey to take action. Officials placed signs at Walnut Street in Keyport, warning beachgoers to avoid touching the slag chunks. Pallone shared that “ . . . the DEP has been busy removing and testing the larger pieces and will keep at it.” He also warned about the dangers of arsenic exposure, mentioning that “touch[ing] the material and then eat[ing] or touch[ing] your mouth without washing your hands” can lead to further health issues.

Greg Remaud, a New Jersey and New York Baykeeper, confirmed that the beach was the former location of an Aeromarine industrial site where airplanes were produced. He believes that the slag could have been deposited as far back as 50 years ago but only recently appeared because of shifting tides and sands.