Category All Art Classes Classical Music Concerts DANCE Etc Exhibits Families Farmers Markets Film Happenings Holiday Holiday Lectures Music (non-classical) Theater

Submit events

PHOTO BY JOHN LARSON

TOXIC. Public health officials have taken action to address lead contamination at this house on South ‘D’ Street.

Ecology, health officials respond to lead contamination

Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is working with Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to address lead contamination at a home in a Tacoma neighborhood.

Tests showed that children who lived in the rental house had high blood lead levels. Subsequent site sampling confirmed high levels of lead in and around the home. The family no longer lives at the property, which is subject to a local health district order prohibiting access. State and federal privacy laws restrict the release of additional information without the family’s consent.

“Preventing exposure to lead and lead poisoning is one of our top priorities because of the known health impacts from lead, especially to children,” said Steve Marek, a senior manager with Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. “The issuance of a health order to disallow access until the property can be declared safe will prevent anyone else from being harmed from the high levels of lead present on the site.”

The health department’s initial investigation indicates the contamination stems from a long-time lead-melting operation carried out on the site by the property owner. The state Department of Health reviewed soil sample data and available blood lead levels, determined a health risk exists and made recommendations in a draft health consultation.

Ecology and health department employees are working with the owner to fence the property to protect others from potential lead exposure. Soil samples collected at the home showed lead levels as high as 2,300 parts per million. In Washington, cleanup actions are triggered by lead levels of 250 parts per million or more.

Ecology’s Toxics Cleanup Program has funds available to help pay for some soil sampling and small-scale soil cleanup where children are most likely at risk of exposure to lead.

“One of Ecology’s top priorities is reducing toxic threats to people and the environment. Lead poses an acute threat to children. We have cleanup programs specifically designed to safeguard children from lead exposure,” said Marian Abbett of the Toxics Cleanup Program.

Ecology and local health staff recently walked the neighborhood to talk with residents about the situation. They provided information on blood lead testing and secured permission to test soil at properties closest to the contaminated home. They also shared practical tips to reduce the risk of harm from dirt that may be contaminated with lead or other chemicals.

Story Tools