Hidden Danger in Downtown Soil
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Downtown Chattanooga is facing a hidden threat, dangerous levels of lead in the soil.
Recent studies have uncovered alarming concentrations, raising health concerns for those who live, work, and play here.
Exposure to lead, especially in children, can have lifelong effects. Even small amounts of contaminated soil can lead to serious health risks.
Our team spoke to Troy Keith, a member of the Tennessee Environmental Department, about this concerning issue and this is what he had to say:
“Lead is a well-known neurotoxin and what that means is for developing children 0 to 6 years of age, a sufficient exposure over the sufficient duration of time… we’re not talking one day, we’re talking six months or two years… whatever high enough concentration, you’re talking 15 to 30 IQ point deficit… they never recover.”
Troy Keith says the time to act is now.
Testing, education, and solutions are key to protecting Chattanooga’s future because the soil beneath our feet holds the past, but if we’re not careful, it could endanger our future.
