Arsenic Exposure Among Mother-Child Dyads in an Environmental Justice Community

Due to its historical use in various industries, arsenic is a common contaminant in EPA Superfund sites throughout the US. Many contaminated areas are contained within communities that are predominately composed of minority and low-income individuals. While it is unknown exactly why contaminated areas disproportionally lay within minority communities, environmental justice initiatives across the country have sought to understand more about the communities disproportionately affected by contamination.

East Chicago, Indiana is a predominantly Hispanic, low income community that contains the USS Lead Superfund site with toxic metals contamination. This community was originally targeted for research by the Airborne Exposures and Semi-volatile Pollutants Study (AESOP) to understand more about urban and rural differences in exposure to environmental pollutants. Due to community concerns surrounding metals exposure, AESOP researchers analyzed collected samples of urine for arsenic concentrations. Most AESOP participants (96%) were found to have arsenic exposures within normal ranges and a significant association was observed between study participants’ income level, poverty level, and smoking status.

These results will be reported back to participants in accordance with guidelines provided by the National Academies of Sciences. Report back materials were specifically developed for study participants with appropriate reading level information and use of data visuals. Additionally, participants were provided with multiple resources to understand their exposure results including study pamphlets and online videos. These materials were designed to promote informed health choices for participants as well as promote metals exposure education within the East Chicago community.