Abstract
In recent years, a significant number of environmental studies have been conducted in New Orleans, LA and surrounding Gulf Coast areas due in part to the occurrence of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Data collected from studies in the New Orleans area indicate that inorganic contaminants including arsenic (As), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and vanadium (V); high concentration of bioaerosols, particularly Cladosporium and Aspergillus, and several organic pollutants (PAHs, pesticides, and volatiles) may pose a risk to human health in New Orleans. While many of these results resemble historical data, a current quantitative exposure assessment has not been conducted. We engaged in one such assessment for lead (Pb) contamination in surface soils. We used Pb concentrations in surface soils ( μg/day to 102 μg/day for our study area within urbanNew Orleans. These data are concerning because children exposed to >33.5 μg/d Pb may cause their blood-Pb levels to exceed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) threshold for blood-Pb of 10 μg/dL. It has generally been accepted that a more protective blood Pb concentration threshold of 6 - μg/dL is warranted. Using the 6-μg/dL threshold puts children exposed to as little as 20.2 μg/day Pb at risk.
Highlights
Recent observations within the United States show that blood-lead (Pb) concentrations in children have been reduced over the past two decades [1]
We used Pb concentrations in surface soils (
Our results suggest that Pb exposure from soil could range from 1.4 μg/day to 102 μg/day for our study area within urban New Orleans
Summary
Recent observations within the United States show that blood-lead (Pb) concentrations in children have been reduced over the past two decades [1]. Lead persistence is partially due to widespread use, making the element ubiquitous in surface soils. Despite the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) mandating the elimination of Pb from most products (e.g., paint, gasoline, etc.) the historical overuse of the element continues to make it problematic in surface soils. Lead is most prevalent throughout urban areas and concentrations of Pb in soil typically increase with the age of a city [3]. It has been determined that children are the most sensitive portion of the population to Pb poisoning and typically have an increased soil consumption rate as compared to the population as a whole. Research suggests that blood-Pb concentrations are strongly correlated to Pb concentrations in soil [3,4,5]
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