MAPPING LEAD IN NEW YORK CITY SOILS

Urban soil is a sink for anthropogenic Pb and is a persistent threat for human health. Exposure to Pb can hinder neurological development in young children, lead to high blood pressure and hypertension in adults, and premature births. In the past decade many soil samples have been collected and tested for Pb in New York City by several organizations but have never been compiled. Here we report a consolidated soil Pb database, from which a color coded map was made for soil Pb levels based on the median value for each zip code. Not surprisingly, the highest Pb levels are found in the oldest parts of the city, mostly industrial and high traffic (e.g., northern Brooklyn and parts of northern Manhattan). Pb levels generally become lower toward the newer parts of the city and suburban areas. This first ever Pb distribution map for New York City could be very useful in many aspects and inform the policy making process. Interesting correlations are observed when it is compared with the land use map, population density map, poverty level map and children’s blood level map. The analyses can interpret which parts of the city and what populations are the most affected, where interventions are required and how the resources should be allocated.