In some recent media stories, inaccurate information has been disseminated about Paracatu and arsenic exposure. Below are the scientific facts. MYTH: Paracatu residents have been exposed to daily chronic arsenic poisoning released from the mine. FACT: A baseless claim: there is no scientific evidence to support this allegation. FACT: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that arsenic is draining from the tailings dam into nearby rivers. MYTH: Arsenic has been released into the atmosphere as a fine particulate material, dust and gas.
FACT: People everywhere are exposed to trace amounts of arsenic every day. FACT: The CETEM study was conducted over three years with the support of more than 70 researchers, including epidemiologists, biochemists and environmental geologists from five partnering institutions and led by CETEM, a federal government research institute.
FACT: This is scientifically baseless and demonstrates a lack of basic knowledge and understanding about the chemical nature of arsenopyrite and its ability to be absorbed by the human body. MYTH: Rock fragments are treated with chemicals, releasing more arsenic and end up in the tailings damns. FACT: This is a technically incorrect. The Santo Antonio and Estaquio tailings dams are not toxic and the waste ore stored there contains only residual amounts of arsenic.
MYTH: Chemical waste from the mud discharged into the tailings dams pollute streams below the dam. FACT: This statement is scientifically false and lacks evidence.
Water quality immediately downstream of the tailings facility is well within regulatory limits. FACT: This is untrue. The home towns of cancer patients are registered and tracked by by both state and federal government agencies.
