Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
6-5-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
6-5-2025 4:00 PM
Description
INTRODUCTION: Lead pollution in residential areas of Metro Atlanta has spurred the EPA to increase efforts to remediate contaminated soil, resulting in the designation of the Westside Lead Atlanta, GA Superfund site. Lead poses significant risks to human health, interfering with vital biological functions, such as blocking important calcium-dependent pathways. Historic practices of lead-based industries with poor disposal procedures have caused local soil and water pollution. This is evident particularly along historical railroad routes used for transporting metal-laden industrial goods. The soil along these routes frequently exhibits heightened levels of heavy metals due to regular train activity, exacerbated by waste dumping along the routes. Notably, former railroad easements may evolve into residential areas, as evidenced by a home in Metro Atlanta situated north of the Superfund site. Tests conducted at this residence unveiled substantial lead contamination, particularly in areas where crops were grown. Consequently, the EPA established this resident as the Buckhead Slag Superfund site with remediation of local soil occurring in November 2023 to address the elevated lead levels and safeguard public health.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to conduct soil and plant sample analysis for lead contamination in a Metro Atlanta residence with support from the Saikawa Lab of Emory University to observe for possible lead propagation in plants.
METHODS: Soil and plant samples were collected and prepared for lead contamination assessment using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). While lead naturally exists in soil at a concentration averaging 10-30 mg/kg, levels surpassing this range may suggest contamination from exogenous sources. The EPA originally had the conservative lead soil screening level (SSL) as 400 mg/kg for residential homes, but as of January 2024 this level has changed to 200 mg/kg, indicating a public health concern. If lead levels exceed this threshold, the EPA recommends further evaluation for possible soil remediation.
RESULTS: Additional samples were analyzed to extend the previous report. The results continue to demonstrate the propagation of lead from contaminated soil into local vegetation over time with an average level of 143.9 mg/kg, ranging from minimal levels of 5.1 mg/kg to significantly teratogenic levels of 499.5 mg/kg. Sample collection sites ranged from high-use areas near the home where the homeowner grew and consumed their own vegetables to areas downhill along the terraced garden within the property boundary.
CONCLUSION: Amid COVID-19, many turned to home or community gardens to supplement their food supply. Raising awareness about the risks of planting in untested areas is crucial to ensure safe backyard produce cultivation.
Embargo Period
5-28-2025
Included in
Lead Contamination Propagation into Plants of a Metro Atlanta Home
Suwanee, GA
INTRODUCTION: Lead pollution in residential areas of Metro Atlanta has spurred the EPA to increase efforts to remediate contaminated soil, resulting in the designation of the Westside Lead Atlanta, GA Superfund site. Lead poses significant risks to human health, interfering with vital biological functions, such as blocking important calcium-dependent pathways. Historic practices of lead-based industries with poor disposal procedures have caused local soil and water pollution. This is evident particularly along historical railroad routes used for transporting metal-laden industrial goods. The soil along these routes frequently exhibits heightened levels of heavy metals due to regular train activity, exacerbated by waste dumping along the routes. Notably, former railroad easements may evolve into residential areas, as evidenced by a home in Metro Atlanta situated north of the Superfund site. Tests conducted at this residence unveiled substantial lead contamination, particularly in areas where crops were grown. Consequently, the EPA established this resident as the Buckhead Slag Superfund site with remediation of local soil occurring in November 2023 to address the elevated lead levels and safeguard public health.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to conduct soil and plant sample analysis for lead contamination in a Metro Atlanta residence with support from the Saikawa Lab of Emory University to observe for possible lead propagation in plants.
METHODS: Soil and plant samples were collected and prepared for lead contamination assessment using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). While lead naturally exists in soil at a concentration averaging 10-30 mg/kg, levels surpassing this range may suggest contamination from exogenous sources. The EPA originally had the conservative lead soil screening level (SSL) as 400 mg/kg for residential homes, but as of January 2024 this level has changed to 200 mg/kg, indicating a public health concern. If lead levels exceed this threshold, the EPA recommends further evaluation for possible soil remediation.
RESULTS: Additional samples were analyzed to extend the previous report. The results continue to demonstrate the propagation of lead from contaminated soil into local vegetation over time with an average level of 143.9 mg/kg, ranging from minimal levels of 5.1 mg/kg to significantly teratogenic levels of 499.5 mg/kg. Sample collection sites ranged from high-use areas near the home where the homeowner grew and consumed their own vegetables to areas downhill along the terraced garden within the property boundary.
CONCLUSION: Amid COVID-19, many turned to home or community gardens to supplement their food supply. Raising awareness about the risks of planting in untested areas is crucial to ensure safe backyard produce cultivation.