Affiliation: | (1) Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Box 41163, Lubbock, TX, 79409-1163, USA;(2) College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA, 70125, USA;(3) Biology Department, Austin College, 900 N. Grand Ave., Sherman, TX, 75090-4400, USA;(4) Department of Biology, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA, 70125, USA;(5) Center for Public Service, Texas Tech University, Box 1015, Lubbock, TX, 79409-1015, USA;(6) Bioenvironmental Research, Tulane University, Health and Environmental Research Bldg, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-3, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA |
Abstract: | Soil studies, conducted in Maryland, Minnesota and Louisiana, have described the urban pattern of lead contamination. They have shown that the highest amounts of lead cluster within the interior of the largest cities. The results of the New Orleans urban patterns of distribution of soil lead provided the basis for further study. The hypothesis was tested that elementary school properties have the same pattern of soil lead contamination as their neighbouring residential communities. Thirty New Orleans Public Elementary Schools were selected for this study. Surface samples (2.5cm or 1 inch depth) were collected from playgrounds and next to entrances of each school. Results showed that soil lead on school properties follows the same relative contamination patterns (pvalue10–5) as soil lead on residential properties of neighbouring communities. Schools however, have significantly lower lead contamination than the neighbouring residential properties. Innercity school properties present a higher risk of soil lead exposure than mid and outercity schools. Soils next to innercity school entrances showed the highest lead, with 18.5% having concentrations over 400gg–1. Systematic landscaping around the school entrances would significantly reduce the hazard from lead dust contaminated soils. |