Discovering unrecognized lead-smelting sites by historical methods.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to enumerate unrecognized former lead smelters in the United States.


METHODS
Defunct smelters were identified by historical research. The compiled list was compared with government registries of hazardous sites. Soil samples were taken from 10 sites.


RESULTS
Approximately 430 sites were unknown to the federal authorities. Only 5 of 319 sites were known to authorities in the top 8 states. Nine of the 10 sites sampled exceeded residential standards for soil lead level.


CONCLUSIONS
Approximately 430 former lead-smelting sites were unrecognized in the United States. Sampling results indicate that the sites may pose a threat to public health.
Eckel
W P
WP
Environmental Science-Public Policy Program, George Mason University, Fairfax, Va., USA. weckel@osf1.gmu.edu
Rabinowitz
M B
MB
Foster
G D
GD
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D006256:Hazardous Waste / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis*; D008669:Metallurgy / Q000266:history; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D014481:United States; D014484:United States Environmental Protection Agency
D000393:Air Pollutants; D006256:Hazardous Waste; D007220:Industrial Waste; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D007854:Lead