News Releases from Region 03

Philadelphia River Wards residents invited to check soil, get blood tests for lead

PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 25, 2017) – Philadelphia residents living in or near the River Wards neighborhoods of Kensington, Fishtown and Olde Richmond can get free soil testing and free blood lead screening for children at an environmental fair Sept. 30 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Beacon Church, 2364 East Cumberland Street, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

Residents are invited to bring soil samples from their properties to the testing event where representatives from EPA and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) will analyze it for lead and other metals.

A flyer explaining how to collect the soil samples was distributed to these neighborhoods, and instructions are also available online at:

https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/soilshop/docs/soil_sampling_cartoon-color_508.pdf .  

Along with the soil testing, EPA, in coordination with ATSDR, will be offering free blood lead screening for children ages six and under in partnership with the City of Philadelphia Public Health Lab.

Representatives from EPA, ATSDR and the city will also be available to meet with residents and answer environmental and health related questions.

EPA and ATSDR are coordinating the event along with the New Kensington Community Development Corporation, city of Philadelphia, and other local community groups.