Atlanta Residents’ Knowledge Regarding Heavy Metal Exposures and Remediation in Urban Agriculture

Abstract

Urban agriculture and gardening provide many health benefits, but the soil is sometimes at risk of heavy metal and metalloid (HMM) contamination. HMM, such as lead and arsenic, can result in adverse health effects for humans. Gardeners may face exposure to these contaminants because of their regular contact with soil and consumption of produce grown in urban areas. However, there is a lack of research regarding whether differential exposure to HMM may be attributed to differential knowledge of exposure sources. In 2018, industrial slag and hazardous levels of soil contamination were detected in West Atlanta. We conducted community-engaged research through surveys and follow-up interviews to understand awareness of slag, HMM in soil, and potential remediation options. Home gardeners were more likely to recognize HMM health effects and to cite health as a significant benefit of gardening than community gardeners. In terms of knowledge, participants were concerned about the potential health effects of contaminants in soil yet unconcerned with produce in their gardens. Gardeners’ knowledge on sources of HMM exposure and methods for remediation were low and varied based on racial group.

A new screening index to better target low-level lead exposure in Atlanta, Georgia

“…This area includes English Avenue and Vine City, historically black neighborhoods that have been highlighted in the media for incredibly high poverty and unemployment rates [51][52][53] . While this area was identified as high risk here based on housing age and relative poverty, industrial slag (another source of lead) has also been found in that area 54,55 . This result is further strengthened by the consistently high index values assigned to these tracts when the index is applied to the state of Georgia and the entire nation.…”

Community‐Engaged Assessment of Soil Lead Contamination in Atlanta Urban Growing Spaces

“…Based on these observations, for Pb, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a regional screening level (RSL) for residential soils at 400 ppm, while the University of Georgia (UGA) extension service has placed low-risk levels (LRLs) for agriculture at 75 ppm (EPA, 2022;Varlamoff et al, 2016). Although soil Pb contamination can pose high risks of Pb exposure, the awareness of this risk has been low (Balotin et al, 2020). We sought to understand the potential exposures to people consuming urban garden produce using a community science-based approach.…”

Developing and Implementing In-Person and Virtual SoilSHOPs in Atlanta, Georgia, as a Community-Engaged Approach to Screen and Prevent Soil Lead Exposure

“…[3][4][5] Atlanta is tackling food insecurity with UA, but awareness about potential soil contamination is low. 6,7 Since 2013, the HER-CULES Exposome Research Center (HERCULES) at Emory University convened a Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB) inclusive of Atlanta residents, nonprofits, government agencies, and academic partners to improve environmental health in Atlanta. Several SAB partners have implemented soil Screening, Health, Outreach and Partnerships (soilSHOPs).…”

“…However, UA poses the risk of exposure to soil contamination, such as lead 3–5. Atlanta is tackling food insecurity with UA, but awareness about potential soil contamination is low 6,7. Since 2013, the HERCULES Exposome Research Center (HERCULES) at Emory University convened a Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB) inclusive of Atlanta residents, nonprofits, government agencies, and academic partners to improve environmental health in Atlanta.…”