Atlanta Residents’ Knowledge Regarding Heavy Metal Exposures and Remediation in Urban Agriculture

Lauren Balotin, Samantha Distler, Antoinette Williams, Samuel J.W. Peters, Candis M. Hunter, Chris Theal, Gil Frank, Taranji Alvarado, Rosario Hernandez, Arthur Hines and Eri Saikawa
Additional contact information
Lauren Balotin: Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, 400 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Samantha Distler: Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, 400 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Antoinette Williams: Department of Health Policy, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Samuel J.W. Peters: Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30322; USA
Candis M. Hunter: Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30322; USA
Chris Theal: Historic Westside Gardens Atlanta, Inc., Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
Gil Frank: Historic Westside Gardens Atlanta, Inc., Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
Taranji Alvarado: Historic Westside Gardens Atlanta, Inc., Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
Rosario Hernandez: Historic Westside Gardens Atlanta, Inc., Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
Arthur Hines: Historic Westside Gardens Atlanta, Inc., Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
Eri Saikawa: Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, 400 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-27

Abstract: Urban agriculture and gardening provide many health benefits, but the soil is sometimes at risk of heavy metal and metalloid (HMM) contamination. HMM, such as lead and arsenic, can result in adverse health effects for humans. Gardeners may face exposure to these contaminants because of their regular contact with soil and consumption of produce grown in urban areas. However, there is a lack of research regarding whether differential exposure to HMM may be attributed to differential knowledge of exposure sources. In 2018, industrial slag and hazardous levels of soil contamination were detected in West Atlanta. We conducted community-engaged research through surveys and follow-up interviews to understand awareness of slag, HMM in soil, and potential remediation options. Home gardeners were more likely to recognize HMM health effects and to cite health as a significant benefit of gardening than community gardeners. In terms of knowledge, participants were concerned about the potential health effects of contaminants in soil yet unconcerned with produce in their gardens. Gardeners’ knowledge on sources of HMM exposure and methods for remediation were low and varied based on racial group.

Keywords: heavy metals; gardening; Atlanta; soil; lead; arsenic; urban agriculture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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