Researchers found lead in 3 Durham parks. Here’s how to keep your children, pets safe
Duke University researchers have found high levels of lead in the soil at three City of Durham Parks.
Samples taken from parts of East Durham, East End and Walltown parks all showed elevated lead levels that are potentially harmful to children playing in the area.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency, childhood exposure to lead can “seriously harm” a child’s health in the immediate and distant future.
Here is guidance from the CDC and EPA on how to stay safe.
Health effects of lead exposure
- Damage to the brain and nervous system
- Slowed growth and development
- Learning and behavior problems
- Hearing and speech problems
All of these symptoms can progress into long-term problems such as lower IQ, decreased attention span and underperformance in school.
Ways children can be exposed to lead in soil
- Swallowing or breathing in lead-contaminated soil while playing.
- Lead-contaminated soil particles cling to shoes, clothing or pets.
- Putting unwashed hands in their mouth after playing in contaminated soil.
- Eating or consuming soil.
- Eating fruits and vegetables grown in or near lead-contaminated soil.
How to reduce soil lead exposure for children and pets
Wash hands and other exposed skin areas after playing outside.
- Take off shoes, use doormats when entering the house to prevent bringing lead-contaminated soil inside.
- Prevent children from playing in bare soil, or move play areas away from bare soil.
Wear gloves when coming into contact with soil.
Wash clothes after coming in contact with soil/dust separately from other clothes.
Wash toys and pacifiers frequently.
Practice good pet hygiene and wash pet toys.
- Plant grass or thick vegetation on areas of bare soil.
- Cover the soil with grass seed, mulch, or wood chips, if possible.
- Do not grow fruits or vegetables in lead-contaminated soil.
This story was originally published June 13, 2023 at 12:52 PM.