[Arsenic emission and effects on the biosphere]

In the GDR, the arsenic emission in the surroundings of metallurgical plants have been reduced to a minimum, the contamination of the soil being not yet diminished in some cases. In the framework of a comprehensive research program, it was shown that the uptake of arsenic by man via the food chain is possible in the area of activity of an arsenic emitter (due to increased arsenic content in the sedimentary dust), even if the maximum emission concentration of arsenic in the aerosol is considerably lower than the permanent limit value. Apart from local sources of emission (e.g. non-ferrous smelteries and phosphate works), the extended burden on the air by traces of arsenic originating from power station exhalates deserves increasing attention. In regions where industrial plants are concentrated, but also in regions with intensive agriculture and horticulture, it is recommendable to determine regularly the arsenic contents in the air, soil, vegetable feeding stuffs and vegetable foodstuffs.