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Legacies of Lead in Charm City’s Soil: Lessons from the Baltimore Ecosystem Study

Author

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  • Kirsten Schwarz

    (Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA)

  • Richard V. Pouyat

    (USDA Forest Service, Research & Development, Washington, DC 20250, USA)

  • Ian Yesilonis

    (USDA Forest Service, 5523 Research Park, Suite 350, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA)

Abstract

Understanding the spatial distribution of soil lead has been a focus of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study since its inception in 1997. Through multiple research projects that span spatial scales and use different methodologies, three overarching patterns have been identified: (1) soil lead concentrations often exceed state and federal regulatory limits; (2) the variability of soil lead concentrations is high; and (3) despite multiple sources and the highly heterogeneous and patchy nature of soil lead, discernable patterns do exist. Specifically, housing age, the distance to built structures, and the distance to a major roadway are strong predictors of soil lead concentrations. Understanding what drives the spatial distribution of soil lead can inform the transition of underutilized urban space into gardens and other desirable land uses while protecting human health. A framework for management is proposed that considers three factors: (1) the level of contamination; (2) the desired land use; and (3) the community’s preference in implementing the desired land use. The goal of the framework is to promote dialogue and resultant policy changes that support consistent and clear regulatory guidelines for soil lead, without which urban communities will continue to be subject to the potential for lead exposure.

Suggested Citation

  • Kirsten Schwarz & Richard V. Pouyat & Ian Yesilonis, 2016. "Legacies of Lead in Charm City’s Soil: Lessons from the Baltimore Ecosystem Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:13:y:2016:i:2:p:209-:d:63582
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mielke, H.W. & Anderson, J.C. & Berry, K.J. & Mielke, P.W. & Chaney, R.L. & Leech, M., 1983. "Lead concentrations in inner city soils as a factor in the child lead problem," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 73(12), pages 1366-1369.
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    Cited by:

    1. Howard W. Mielke, 2016. "Editorial: Lead Risk Assessment and Health Effects," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-3, June.
    2. Xuemeng Sun & Xiaoping Li & Dongying Liu & Tao Yang & Yanan Zhao & Ting Wu & Yue Cai & Yuwei Ai & Xu Zhang & Jiwen Wang & Rui Yang & Hongtao Yu & Howard W. Mielke, 2018. "Use of a Survey to Assess the Environmental Exposure and Family Perception to Lead in Children (<6 Years) in Four Valley Cities, Northwestern China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-26, April.
    3. Maeve Malone & Kabindra M. Shakya, 2024. "Trace Metal Contamination in Community Garden Soils across the United States," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-19, February.

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