Description: We carried out a community-based participatory research study to examine the distribution of heavy metal concentrations in the soil and social vulnerabilities to soil heavy metal exposures across Census tracts in Santa Ana, CA. Based on over 1500 soil samples, we found that concentrations of soil metals varied according to landuse type and socioeconomic factors. Census tracts where the median household income was under $50,000 had 390%, 92.9%, 56.6%, and 54.3% higher Pb, Zn, Cd, and As concentrations compared to high-income counterparts. All Census tracts in Santa Ana showed hazard index >1, implying the potential for noncarcinogenic health effects, and nearly all Census tracts showed a cancer risk above 10-4, implying a greater than acceptable risk. Risk was predominantly driven by childhood exposure. Findings inform initiatives related to environmental justice and highlight subpopulations at elevated risk of heavy metal exposure, in turn underscoring the need for community-driven recommendations for policies and other actions to remediate soil contamination and protect the health of residents.
Masri S, LeBrón AMW, Logue MD, Valencia E, Ruiz A, Reyes A, Wu J. 2021. Risk assessment from soil heavy metal exposure by Census tract and socioeconomic factors in the city of Santa Ana, CA. Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts. doi: 10.1039/D1EM00007A