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Environmental lead after Hurricane Katrina: implications for future populations.
Felicia A Rabito1, Shahed Iqbal, Sara Perry
1Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St., SL18, Room 2016, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. rabito@tulane.edu
Environmental Health Perspectives
|November 5, 2011
Summary
Two years after Hurricane Katrina, 61% of New Orleans homes had lead levels exceeding federal standards in residential soil and dust. This highlights significant environmental lead hazards, particularly for children, requiring mitigation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Hurricane Katrina caused widespread destruction and sediment deposition in New Orleans.
- Increased lead hazards from contaminated soils were identified post-storm.
- Over 100,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, increasing exposure risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess residential soil and dust lead distribution two years after Hurricane Katrina.
- To compare pre- and post-storm soil lead levels.
- To identify predictors of elevated lead levels in homes.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study utilizing stratified random sampling in New Orleans.
- Administered residential questionnaires and performed interior/exterior lead testing.
- Employed logistic regression to determine significant predictors of lead levels.
Main Results:
- 61% of 109 enrolled households exceeded federal lead standards.
- Elevated lead levels (47%) were found in homes with bare soil, with 27% exceeding 1,200 ppm.
- Median soil lead (560 ppm) was significantly higher than pre-storm levels; housing age correlated with lead levels.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of lead contamination in residential soil and dust poses health risks, especially to children.
- Mitigation strategies are necessary to reduce exposure to lead-contaminated soil and dust.
- Further research is needed on reconstruction's contribution to environmental lead levels.
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