Demolition of derelict housing is one component to the redevelopment of America's inner cities. Because such housing is likely to contain lead in paint and dust, demolition represents a potentially large source of dispersed lead in urban environments. This ambient lead, in turn, can become a long-term source of lead exposure in the neighborhood including exterior lead that is tracked into the interiors of houses.
We conducted a longitudinal field study of two whole-block demolition sites in the East Baltimore Empowerment Zone (EZ) to improve our understanding of the risks of lead exposure associated with the demolition of blocks of aging urban row houses. The study was done in collaboration with the Historic East Baltimore Community Action Committee, the coordinator of federal Empowerment Zone activities in East Baltimore.
We collected dust samples for lead analysis from streets, alleys, sidewalks and the interiors of houses within a 100-meter radius of each site before, during and after demolition and debris removal activities. We also measured lead in dust fall within 10 meters of the site before and during demolition. We placed entryway mats in houses and mats on exterior window ledges to assess changes in the rates of deposition of lead and dust associated with demolition activities. Findings of the study will be presented, including GIS displays of changes in ambient and residential lead loadings.
Learning Objectives: To describe an emerging environmental risk in the urban setting; To recognize the adverse lead exposures among other contaminants that may be linked to residential and industrial demolition
Keywords: Environmental Health Hazards, Housing
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: N/A
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.