Daio Paper Detects Naturally Occurring Arsenic, Fluoride Above Soil Standards at Kani Mill

Daio Paper Corporation conducted a voluntary soil investigation at its Kani Mill (Kani City, Gifu Prefecture) in connection with equipment construction work. The investigation detected arsenic and fluoride at levels exceeding the soil leaching standards.

The matter has been reported to Gifu Prefecture in accordance with the Guidelines for Proper Groundwater Management and Pollution Control in Gifu Prefecture.

The Kani Mill has no history of using arsenic as a raw material, and there is also no history of using fluoride at the investigated location. Therefore, the company believes it is highly likely that the detected substances are of natural origin.

The company will continue to respond appropriately in accordance with the guidance of the relevant authorities.

1. Investigation Site

Daio Paper Corporation – Kani Mill

2. Summary of Investigation Results

Soil Leaching Test

ItemNumber of SamplesSamples Exceeding StandardTest Results (mg/L)Soil Leaching Standard (mg/L)Arsenic54Less than 0.001 to 0.150.01 or lessFluoride510.35 to 1.10.8 or less

No other substances exceeded the applicable standards. In addition, no exceedances were found in the soil content analysis.

3. Cause

The Kani Mill has never used arsenic as a raw material. Likewise, fluoride has not been used as a raw material at the investigated location. Accordingly, the company considers it highly likely that the detected substances are naturally occurring.

4. Impact on the Surrounding Area

Under the Guidelines for Proper Groundwater Management and Pollution Control in Gifu Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture will conduct water quality testing of wells located within a 250-meter radius of the investigation site. However, no residential wells have been identified within that area.

In addition, water quality testing of the company's own well, located downstream of the groundwater flow from the investigation site, found no exceedance of the applicable standards. At present, there is no indication of any impact on the surrounding environment.

5. Impact on Products

Following the investigation results, the company analyzed products manufactured at the Kani Mill. The analysis confirmed that both arsenic and fluoride were below the detection limits, verifying that there are no safety concerns regarding the products.