KEYPORT, NJ—A warning has been issued to the public to avoid touching or ingesting materials found on a section of Keyport’s bayshore beach, which may be contaminated, officials warned this week.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has posted signs and oversees a slag-like materials cleanup.
These materials were initially identified in June and were found to contain high levels of lead. However, further testing by state environmental regulators revealed another concern.
“Most of the samples now show elevated concentrations of arsenic, although the lead levels are well below the residential standards for direct contact,” said Larry Hajna, a spokesperson for the state DEP.
Exposure to arsenic primarily occurs through ingestion, such as touching the contaminated material and then eating without washing hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that arsenic can adversely affect the eyes, skin, liver, kidneys, lungs, and lymphatic system, with the severity depending on exposure levels and duration.
Cleanup efforts began in late July, with crews scraping the beach where the visible pieces were scattered. This area has been sectioned off to prevent public access during the cleanup.
The investigation into the source of the materials continues with no source positively identified.