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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp015m60qv35r
Title: Soil Lead Contamination in Herculaneum, Missouri: Has It Spread Farther than Anticipated?
Authors: Woode, Franklin
Advisors: Hedin, Lars
Department: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Class Year: 2016
Abstract: In 1992, blood screenings performed by the Jefferson County Health Department revealed that several children living near a primary lead smelter in Herculaneum, Missouri had elevated blood lead levels (BLLs). Because the primary route of lead exposure among children under the age of six is via ingestion of contaminated soil, government-mandated sampling of soil on residential properties began soon after. When elevated lead levels were found in Herculaneum yards, Doe run began extracting the contaminated soil and replacing it with clean soil, a process called soil remediation. As of 2012, thorough sampling and remediation has been performed on nearly all residential properties within 1 mile of the smelter. However, more blood screenings performed in 2001 showed that elevated BLLs were occurring as far out from the smelter as 1.25 miles. This project involved sampling of this neglected 0.25 mile wide area to determine if exposure to contaminated soil is a continual threat to residents. Results show that no yards sampled in this area displayed lead levels above the EPA threshold of concern- 400 ppm. Although these results do not rule out other possible avenues of exposure, they preclude the possibility of residents' continued exposure by contaminated yard soil.
Extent: 16 pages
URI: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp015m60qv35r
Type of Material: Princeton University Senior Theses
Language: en_US
Appears in Collections:Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 1992-2023

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