Grantee Research Project Results
Community-Oriented Strategies to Estimate Childrens Soil and Dust Ingestion Rates and Exposure to Soil Heavy Metal and Metalloid in West Atlanta
EPA Grant Number: R840198Title: Community-Oriented Strategies to Estimate Childrens Soil and Dust Ingestion Rates and Exposure to Soil Heavy Metal and Metalloid in West Atlanta
Investigators: Saikawa, Eri , Barr, Dana Boyd
Institution: Emory University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024 (Extended to June 30, 2026)
Project Amount: $1,345,022
RFA: Estimating Childrens Soil and Dust Ingestion Rates for Exposure Science (2020) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Children's Health , Human Health
Objective:
The goal of this project is to effectively understand and mitigate the current and possible future soil heavy metal and metalloid (HMM) and other chemical contaminant exposure among children in West Atlanta (also known as Westside) by better estimating children’s soil ingestion rates, using Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). Our threefold objectives are to: 1) map soil lead (Pb) and other known and unknown contaminant concentrations in West Atlanta; 2) quantify soil ingestion rates and exposure levels to Pb among children in specific age groups via soil and urine analyses; and 3) provide accurate and comprehensive multimedia metrics for exposure assessments.
Approach:
Using targeted and non-targeted soil analyses, we will create a detailed map illustrating the soil abundances of Pb and other chemical contaminants in Westside, where high HMM contamination was recently found. Children’s exposure to Pb and other chemicals will also be quantified using survey data, capillary blood and oral fluid analyses, as well as urinary biomarkers. We will assess soil and dust ingestion rates for children between six months and six years old, in specified age group ranges. Using the information collected, we will create improved exposure and dose estimates for Westside, which will allow more accurate risk assessments.
Expected Results:
This study will address all key research questions requested in the RFA. Outputs include soil and dust ingestion rate estimates for children in seven different age groups, a map of soil contamination in the Westside of Atlanta and multimedia Pb exposure estimates for children in the neighborhood. Quarterly community meetings will be held to discuss scientific findings to the Westside residents and educational materials created and disseminated at these meetings will be posted on the website. Scientific journal publications will also be important outputs. Outcomes include an increased ability and capacity to model children’s exposure to Pb in West Atlanta. Enhanced community awareness should further result in reduced exposure from preventative measures. This project will improve the scientific foundation for environmental policy in protecting communities with overt exposure to Pb and other contaminants.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 10 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 3 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
soil, exposure, risk, risk assessment, health effects, human health, bioavailability, vulnerability, dose-response, infants, children, chemicals, heavy metals, community-based, environmental chemistry, modeling, southeast, EPA Region 4Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.