Testing homes for potential sources of lead exposure as a high-school
science project
Abstract
High-school students tested soil, paint, and water for lead (Pb) in a
total of 80 houses in their town of Pelham, New York, where blood-Pb
data indicate relatively high levels of child exposure. All the samples
were tested in the laboratory using established procedures but this was
preceded by testing of soil and paint in the field with a kit by the
students. The total Pb content of 32 of the 159 soil samples that were
collected exceeded 400 ppm, the EPA standard for bare soil in areas
where children play. Only 4 of the 118 tap water samples that were
collected contained over 15 ppb Pb, with the data showing that flushing
for 2 min clearly lowered Pb concentration further across the board. The
highest risk of child exposure may be posed by old Pb-paint, however,
which was detected in 9 of the 48 samples that were tested.
Unfortunately, residents were also the least willing to let the students
test or sample their paint. High-school students could help reduce
exposure in the many towns where child blood-Pb levels remain high today
while doing so learning about environmental science and measurement from
this hands-on experience.