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| Assessment
of Exposure in the Community Surrounding the Martin
Luther King/Jefferson School Construction Site in Trenton |
In
2004-2005, the construction of a new school at the  site
of the Martin Luther King/Jefferson School in Trenton resulted in the release
of dust from fill material that had been brought to the site. This fill
material contained both soil material and concrete construction debris.
In addition, the fill was found to have low-to-moderate levels of lead and
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). During the period of construction,
residents in the vicinity of the school reported experiencing acute respiratory
symptoms. After the source of dust emissions had ceased due to the stoppage
of the construction, the NJDEP Division of Science, Research and Technology
(DSRT) was requested by the community to investigate the extent and spread
of dust from the construction site. NJDEP/DSRT worked with the Environmental
and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI) of Rutgers/UMDNJ to carry
out this investigation. To investigate this, elemental analysis was conducted
on soil samples from the construction site, dust samples from the inside
and outside of the houses in the surrounding area, and dust samples in the
adjacent (unused) school building. Air samples were also collected during
the demolition of the partially completed construction. This samples were
compared based elemental analysis to determine whether a signal of the construction-site
soil could be identified in the surrounding area. Samples were also analyzed
for PAHs. Statistical analysis of the samples provided evidence for the
spread of construction-site soil to the outside of homes in an area within
one block of the site. However, dust inside the homes was not related to
the construction-site soil. Lead levels outside the homes did not appear
to be related to the construction-site soil. PAH levels were found to be
below a level of health concern. Air samples showed that during demolition,
dust control measures were sufficient to prevent further exposure. |
Reader Letter
Citizens
Guide
Research Project Summary
Full Report
For questions regarding
this study, please contact Dr.
Alan Stern. |
|
Office
of Science
Dr. Gary A. Buchanan, Manager
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| Mailing
Address:
Mail
code 428-01, P.O. Box 420
P.O. Box 420
Trenton, NJ 0862
|
Office
Location:
428
East State St., 1st floor
Trenton, NJ 08625 |
Phone:
(609) 984-6070
Fax: (609) 292-7340
For Information regarding
this site, please contact Terri
Tucker. |
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