ASSESSING SOIL LEAD CONTAMINATION IN HISPANIC NEIGHBORHOODS AROUND NORRISTOWN, PA

Lead contamination in soil is an environmental justice concern in minority communities. Anthropogenic sources of lead in soil include fossil fuel combustion, fertilizer/pesticide use, present or pass industrial activity and mining, disposal of municipal waste, incinerator, smelters, and urbanization. Children’s blood lead levels are generally higher in Hispanic communities than those in white neighborhoods, which is concerning due to the adverse health effects of lead exposure such as cognitive and behavior developmental delays and long-term sequale of anemia, hypertension, and renal impairments in adults. A collaboration between scientists from Villanova University and a local community organization was carried out to assess lead soil contamination in residences and parks of a Hispanic neighborhood in Norristown, PA, an environmental justice community. Soil samples were collected from approximately 40 households during summer 2023. Soil samples were dried and sieved, and analyzed by x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Lead concentrations as high as 1,452 ppm were found in the soil samples. The US EPA’s standard for lead in soil is 400 ppm. The residence time of lead in soil ranges from decades to centuries, making it persistent and dangerous especially for areas that already experience legacy pollution. In minority communities, such as Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, children’s lead levels can impact IQ, mental development, sleep, learning and behavioral problems, hearing and speech impediments, and fine and visual motor function deficits. Besides assessing soil lead contamination, this project aims to inform the community about lead risks and ways to mitigate lead exposure.