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What did you test for?
We tested soil collected from the yards of 84 homes for 22 chemicals known to be used, manufactured, or stored at PureGro or were found in previous sampling next to the facility. We also tested soil from 11 public locations in alleys and rights-of-ways in the same residential community.
What did you find?
Ten of the 22 pesticides were detected, and about 56% of homes tested had at least one pesticide in the soil. The most common pesticide was DDT and its derivatives, which was found at trace levels. Dieldrin, a highly persistent organochlorine pesticide, was found above the residential soil screening level at 16 homes and 2 public locations. However, for most of these homes, the dieldrin level was still low enough to unlikely pose a health risk. Dieldrin was manufactured at PureGro and was also widely used in agriculture and for termite control.
Project actions
Results were provided to participants through packets, meetings, and individual consultations. We also provided recommendations for exposure reduction, compiled a packet of resources, and conducted workshops with participants. Finally, we shared the soil sampling results with the Department of Toxic Substances Control, which is overseeing the PureGro site clean-up process.
Project conclusions
Overall, participants were relieved to hear that there wasn't significant widespread soil contamination in the community. They also felt their concerns were heard, appreciated receiving additional information on how to protect their health, and expressed interest in becoming more actively involved in advocating for their community.
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