The lead plants are long gone from Philadelphia's now-trendy "river wards." But the area's development boom is disturbing their toxic legacy: lead that has sat dormant for decades. In an extensive investigation, the Inquirer and Daily News tested exposed soil in 114 locations — parks, playgrounds, backyards. Nearly three out of four had hazardous levels of lead contamination. Even tiny amounts can permanently lower a child's IQ.
From Philly.com:
In addition, reporters discovered high levels of lead dust on rowhouse stoops and sidewalks near construction sites. In tests taken from a popular neighborhood playground — both before and after digging began at a vacant lot across the street — a once-safe play area was shown to contain lead dust.
Developers are not required to test soil for lead as a routine precaution before disturbing land. Further, no single governmental agency is responsible for making certain a yard's soil is safe.
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