Developing and Implementing In-Person and Virtual SoilSHOPs in Atlanta, Georgia, as a Community-Engaged Approach to...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Urban Planning
• Community Science

Background:

• Urban agriculture offers access to fresh, local foods but poses risks of lead soil contamination.
• Lead exposure is a significant public health concern, especially in urban environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a community-engaged soil screening program (soilSHOPs) for lead in Atlanta, Georgia.
• To increase awareness of lead exposure risks associated with urban gardening and inform targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

• Conducted in-person and virtual soil screening events (soilSHOPs) in partnership with the community.
• Collected and analyzed soil samples for lead contamination.
• Developed best practices for public outreach and intervention based on residents' experiences.

Main Results:

• Successfully screened soils for lead contamination in urban agricultural areas.
• Increased community awareness regarding lead exposure risks.
• Provided data that contributed to the US Environmental Protection Agency identifying a Superfund site.

Conclusions:

• Community-engaged soil screening is effective in identifying lead contamination in urban agriculture.
• SoilSHOPs can empower residents with knowledge and inform public health interventions.
• This approach can have broader impacts, including informing regulatory actions like Superfund site identification.