Testing Homes for Potential Sources of Lead Exposure as a High-School Science Project

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Elevated childhood blood lead (Pb) levels in Pelham, New York, necessitate source identification.
• Lead contamination in residential environments poses significant health risks to children.
• Community-based participatory research can engage local populations in environmental health assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess lead contamination in soil, paint, and water samples from residential properties in Pelham, NY.
• To identify potential sources of lead exposure for children in the community.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of student-led environmental sampling in identifying lead hazards.

Main Methods:

• High-school students collected soil, paint, and tap water samples from 80 houses.
• Field testing of soil and paint was conducted using a lead detection kit.
• Laboratory analysis using established procedures quantified lead concentrations in all samples.

Main Results:

• 32% of soil samples exceeded the EPA's 400 ppm standard for bare residential soil.
• Lead-based paint was detected in 18.75% of tested samples, posing a high exposure risk.
• Only 3.4% of tap water samples exceeded the 15 ppb lead limit; flushing reduced levels.

Conclusions:

• Lead-based paint and contaminated soil are significant sources of lead exposure in Pelham.
• Student-led environmental monitoring can effectively identify lead hazards in residential settings.
• Community engagement and education are crucial for reducing childhood lead exposure.