FROM LEAD CONTAMINATION TO CLEAN-UP AND BEYOND: WORKGROUP FORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION FOR COMBATING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ISSUES IN INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (USA)

Objectives/Specific Aims: The reduction of anthropogenic lead (Pb) sources through the discontinued use of Pb-based paint, leaded gasoline and Pb-industry closures has resulted in the subsequent decrease in children’s blood-Pb levels and has been deemed one of public health’s greatest achievements. Unfortunately, the legacy of many years of Pb being deposited into the environment and consequent Pb-enriched soils, there is an element of society who remains unjustly exposed to this neurotoxin. Mainly through ingestion, these low-income, urban minority children continue to experience low-level chronic exposure of a highly bioavailable form of diffuse soil-Pb.

Methods/Study Population: High resolution soil testing conducted in the predominantly minority and economically depressed neighborhood of Martindale-Brightwood (MB) of Indianapolis, Indiana (USA) revealed elevated soil-Pb concentrations. To combat the continued source of Pb contamination in the MB neighborhood including the former Superfund site located there, an environmental justice workgroup consisting of stakeholders from all aspects of concern including volunteers, community leaders, government, a non-for-profit coalition, and academia was formed.

Results/Anticipated Results: Prompted by the communication and cooperation of this workgroup, a reassessment by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was conducted in the summer of 2014. Reassessment results combined with soil-Pb sampling and blood Pb-level data mapping will assist the community residents in making decisions on how to best implement public health interventions.

Discussion/Significance of Impact: While the workgroup is waiting the final published reassessment results from EPA, it is beneficial to information regarding the formation and coordination of the workgroup activities, including communication to residents, in prompting action for other neighborhoods struggling with unaddressed environmental justice concerns.