Unsafe levels of lead in soil and sediments left behind in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina could pose a heightened health threat to returning residents, especially children, says a study.//

In some soil samples collected from the area, lead levels were as much as two-thirds higher than what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers safe, according to researchers at Texas Tech University.

Lead exposure is a particular health concern among children because it can impair the nervous system and cause developmental problems.

The study has been published in the American Chemical Society's journal Environmental Science & Technology (ES&T).

Others have previously reported high concentrations of lead in the city's soil, but lead generally remains embedded in the soil and does not easily come in contact with people unless disturbed, says study leader Steven M. Presley, Ph.D., an environmental toxicologist at Texas Tech in Lubbock.

Presley believes severe flooding may have loosened large amounts of embedded lead and led to its deposition on soil surfaces, making exposure to lead particles more likely, either through skin contact or the inhalation of aerosolized particles.

In addition to lead, scientists also found concentrations of aldrin (an insecticide), arsenic, and seven semi-volatile organic compounds that exceeded EPA Region VI safe levels and are on EPA's list of known or suspected human carcinogens. In all, the researchers analyzed the sediment and soil samples for 26 metals and more than 90 semi-volatile compounds.

In addition to sediment and soil samples, the researchers also tested water and animal tissues following the flood. Other contaminants found among samples include high levels of iron, several banned pesticides and pathogenic bacteria, but the researchers say that concentrations of most of these contaminants were unlikely to pose an immediate human health threat.
<
'"/>




Page: 1 2 3
Related medicine news :

1. Low testosterone levels lead to eating disorders
2. Genetics and cholesterol levels
3. Decrease in testosterone levels lead to Alzheimers
4. Breast cancer risk doubles by high sex hormone levels
5. High iron levels may cause Cardiovascular Disease in women
6. Testing for blood sugar levels made easier
7. Children exposed to smoke show decreased levels of Vitamin C
8. Elevated homocysteine levels linked to congestive heart failure risk
9. Elevated LDL levels in Childhood could be Predictors of Heart Disease
10. Tobacco smoke increases the levels of Cox 2.
11. More soy benefits on blood glucose levels, and cholesterol