Unsafe lead levels are found in public parks throughout the southern part of the city
NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
An investigation conducted in New Orleans found high levels of lead contamination in playgrounds throughout the city, despite previous efforts to remove them from health hazards.
Now, city officials are scrambling to get $5 million in federal aid to clean up the soil where local children play.
In February, Verite News reporters tested more than 80 playgrounds across the city, and found that 50% had lead levels that experts deemed unsafe.
CANCER RISK LINKED TO COMMON BLOOD-RELATED CONDITION, MUMLA STUDY
In one park, levels were recorded at about 6,000 parts per million, or 30 times higher than the EPA’s recommended testing level.
According to the Trust for America’s Health, a non-profit public health policy organization based in Washington, DC, more than 90% of New Orleans apartment buildings were built before 1978, which is the lead year that residential paint was covered.
Verite News reporters found that 50% of playgrounds in New Orleans have lead levels that experts consider unsafe. (Stock)
“In addition to the deterioration of paint … lead dust from the use of leaded fuel has contributed significantly to the increase in lead levels in soil,” the group noted.
INFORMATION RELATING TO CONTRIBUTOR IN PARTICIPATION AFTER CONTROVERSIAL ORDER: ‘ToXIC BY DESIGN’
Children under the age of 6 are at high risk of lead poisoning, which health centers say can seriously affect brain growth and development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal, experts say.
Public health researchers recommend that parents avoid playgrounds known to be contaminated with lead, as it can be difficult to prevent children from inhaling traces of the contamination or breathing in the dust while playing.
RFK JR, EPA CHIEF ‘DEclares WAR’ on MICROPLASTICS Amid GROWING EVIDENCE OF HEALTH DANGERS
The announcement sparked immediate outrage from parents, many of whom had drawn attention to excessive lead levels in parks.
On April 7, Mayor Helena Moreno ordered the creation of a task force to review and improve the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC).
“The City’s top priority is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the City’s recreation program,” said a statement from the mayor’s office. (Stock)
“The City’s top priority is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the City’s recreation program,” the mayor said in a statement.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HEALTH PAPER
The task force will “consider and make recommendations regarding the cost and effectiveness of implementing a program to assess and remediate safety and environmental issues at NORDC facilities and playgrounds, including the presence of lead in soil.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLES
Prior to the order, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Jennifer Avegno announced that city officials were working with the state congressional delegation to request $5 million in federal funds for the fiscal year, according to reports from Verite News.
“Protecting the health and safety of our children and families is at the center of every decision we make. The city previously applied for a preventative grant prior to the latest investigation of local parks,” Avegno said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.
“Protecting the health and safety of our children and families is paramount in every decision we make,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Jennifer Avegno in a statement. (Stock)
“Mayor Moreno quickly issued an order to strengthen accountability, cooperation and quick response in all agencies,” he continued.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“Through in-house working groups and the Mayor’s NORD team, we are bringing together public health, recreation, capital projects and community partners to coordinate a comprehensive assessment of playground conditions, take decisive action to prioritize repairs, and ensure the facilities remain safe for every child and family.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
“At the same time, we are actively pursuing additional external funding to expand our capacity, accelerate development, and ensure long-term protection is effective.”
The money will go towards the inspection and cleaning of the affected playgrounds.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission for comment.
