The Truth Fairy Project

Abstract

TPS 621: Exposure to metals, Johan Friso Foyer, Floor 1, August 26, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background/ Aim: Lead (Pb) is a potent neurotoxicant with no safe level of exposure. Elevated levels of Pb and arsenic (As) are found near facilities that recycle lead-acid batteries in the United States. Assessing historical exposure to toxic chemicals, especially in situations of a specific industrial source of pollution affecting a community, is critical for informing appropriate public health and policy responses. We describe a community-driven approach to integrate retrospective environmental hazard exposure assessment with community organizing to address concerns about the extent of exposure to toxic metals in a predominantly working-class, Latinx community living near a now-closed lead-acid battery smelter facility. Methods: In this pilot study coined the “Truth Fairy” Project, 50 shed deciduous teeth from 43 children living their entire lives within 2 miles of the smelter to understand in retrospective exposure to toxic metals using community-driven research approach. Concentrations of Pb and As in teeth were assessed using laser-ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Soil Pb concentrations were determined using spatial kriging of surface soil measurements. Results: The mean prenatal calcium normalized Pb concentration in teeth samples (reported as a ratio 208Pb:43Ca), was 4.104 x 10-4 (SD 4.123 x 10-4), and the mean postnatal 208Pb:43Ca level was 4.109 x 10-4 (SD 3.369 x 10-4). Adjusted for maternal education and analytical batch, we observe positive significant relationship between prenatal teeth Pb per 100 ppm increase in soil Pb (β=3.48, 95% CI 1.11, 5.86), indicating higher Pb exposures near the site of industrial exposure. Study results were disseminated to the community using infographics. Conclusions: The Truth Fairy study provides insights into assessing retrospective exposure to toxic metals among children living near legacy sources. This project integrated community mobilization with empirical research, informing residents about toxic metal exposures and improving the community’s capacity to respond to a public health crisis.