Lead Distribution in Urban Soils: Relationship Between Lead Sources and Human Health

The intersection between earth sciences and human health has been gaining significant interest as we begin understanding the fate and transport of harmful materials in the environment. Past research has shown that the legacy lead (Pb) derived from leaded gasoline, paint and industrial sources continues to be a significant source of Pb loading to children, particularly the urban poor. The WESCO community, located in Marion County on the west side of Indianapolis, Indiana has had a history of children with high blood Pb levels (>10 µg/dL). In an effort to understand the source(s) of Pb to these children, we have been significantly expanding spatial resolution of urban Pb maps in this region, to bring the environmental analysis for Pb down to a community level. Extensive sampling of surface soils was conducted in late 2007 and are being analyzed to determine Pb concentration and to recognize typical Pb isotopic ratios of potential Pb sources in the study area. This information will be used to help identify source(s) of Pb and investigate whether measured Pb contamination in soils can be correlated to the blood Pb levels in the children that live in this area using GIS analysis. By identifying the different isotopic ratios of Pb in the soil, remediation efforts can be targeted to achieve the greatest impact for the reduction of blood Pb levels in the WESCO community children.