What's in the dust? Study finds hidden metals in city streets
If you're in an urban area with strong winds, chances are you are breathing in more than a little dust. You could be exposed to metals from cars, construction sites or pesticides used decades ago.
A new study published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research analyzed road dust samples from seven eastern U.S. cities to investigate the metal composition and potential hazards to residents. The University of Virginia researchers collected dust from public spaces such as parks, schools, and downtown areas where people are likely to be exposed.
Lead, arsenic, and cadmium were found in a third of the samples, with higher concentrations in northeastern cities known for legacy industrial activities like Trenton, New Jersey, and Wilmington, Delaware. Southeastern cities like Charleston, South Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia, showed more influence from historical pesticide use and port operations.
The Environmental Protection Agency does not monitor road dust pollution, but the concentrations found on average did not exceed health recommendations. However, residents may be more vulnerable during dry summer months, so precautions like wearing a mask or staying indoors during high air quality index days are advised.
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