Event

The Department of Earth & Environmental Science

University of Pennsylvania

Invites you to attend a EES Seminar Series

Friday, November 8, 2024 - 3:00 PM

"Hidden Danger in Plain Sight: Uncovering Lead Sources in Urban Environments"

Lead can have long-term and irreversible impacts on the brain, nervous system, heart and kidneys. Children are the most vulnerable to the impacts of Pb. Even low levels are associated with lower IQ, poorer academic performance, behavior issues, and reduced hearing. No safe level of lead has been identified. Recent efforts have focused on identifying and removing lead sources in the home, primarily lead pipes and lead paint. In contrast, very little focus has been placed on lead sources outside the home.

Dr. Shiel will present the results of a high-resolution study of lead in moss from Portland, Oregon. The highest lead levels, up to 590 times the rural background, were found in older residential neighborhoods with relic lead-sheathed telecom cables. This compares to levels 19 times higher than the rural background in older neighborhoods overall, with lead attributed primarily to historical leaded gasoline emissions. This study provides evidence that lead is released from telecom cables into the environment. 

Dr. Alyssa Shiel

Associate Professor

Oregon State University