Legacy lead arsenate soil contamination at childcare centers in the Yakima Valley, Central Washington, USA. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Durkee, Jenna; Bartrem, Casey; Möller, Gregory
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 168(2017)
• Page Start: 1126
• Page End: 1135
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Risk assessment -- Lead -- Arsenic -- Pesticide -- Children's health -- Childcare centers; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.10.094
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Background: From the early 1900s to the 1950s, Yakima Valley orchards were commonly treated with lead arsenate (LA) insecticides. Lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) soil contamination has been identified on former orchard lands throughout Central Washington and pose a threat to human health and the environment. Objectives: The levels of Pb and As in soil and interior dust at participating childcare centers in the Upper Yakima Valley (Yakima County), Washington were sampled to explore exposure potential for young children. Methods: Childcare center soils were collected from two soil depths, homogenized, and analyzed in bulk by a field-portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). Interior dust wipes samples were collected from at least two locations in each facility. All soil samples >250 mg/kg Pb and/or >20 As mg/kg were sieved to 250 μm, tested by XRF a second time, and analyzed via acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. Results: Bulk and sieved XRF results, as well as ICP-MS to XRF results were strongly correlated. Maximum Pb and As XRF results indicated that 4 (21%) and 8 (42%) of the 19 childcare centers surveyed exceeded the regulatory standard for Pb and As, respectively. Historic land use was significantly associated with elevated Pb and As levels. Interior dust loadings were below United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. Conclusions: Childcare centers are areas of intensive use for children and when coupled with potential residential exposure in their homes, the total daily exposure is a potential hazard to children. Highlights: Investigations have found lead and arsenic in orchard soils in Washington State. Childcare centers in the Yakima Valley are often located on converted orchard land. Soil contamination exceeds the Washington action level at many childcare centers. Lead and arsenic soil concentrations are strongly associated with former land use. Childcare centers are a source of potential legacy lead arsenate risk for children.