Arsenic testing of soil in Thames

Hill Laboratories has been involved in the recent testing of the Moanataiari subdivision in Thames where elevated levels of arsenic were found in the soil.  Here’s what to do if you are concerned about arsenic levels around your home:

1)    Soil testing:
The Waikato Regional Council will be undertaking a big soil testing survey early in the New Year, so our advice would be to wait until those results are available.  However, if you definitely want to carry out your own testing, collect about 200g of the soil you are concerned about, put it in re-sealable plastic bag, print out a copy of the Environmental testing request form, fill out the appropriate details and either post or courier to us at Hill Laboratories, 1 Clyde Street, Hamilton.  Soil analysis for arsenic costs $44/sample.  We would also recommend testing for lead as it will cost no extra.

2)    Hair and Nail Testing:
This testing will only be worth doing if there is a significant number of samples (i.e. >100), otherwise the price for an individual sample would be prohibitive.  The testing is quite specialised and samples need to be carefully taken.  We recommend that you contact TCDC if you would like some resources put towards hair and nail testing.  

For further information contact:

Graham Corban
07 858 2832
graham.corban@hill-labs.co.nz