TagLead(23)

In a July 2022 congressional hearing, Chairman Ro Khanna highlighted the health dangers of leaded aviation fuel (Avgas) still used in small general aviation aircraft, noting that children near airports in communities of color face blood lead levels exceeding those seen during the Flint water crisis. The statement criticizes the FAA and EPA for failing to act urgently on phasing out leaded fuel, despite the existence of viable unleaded alternatives, and accuses oil companies and aviation industry groups of deliberately delaying the transition. Khanna calls on federal agencies to accelerate approval of lead-free fuel options, involve affected communities in decision-making, and use infrastructure funding to support the switch to unleaded aviation fuel.

This 2021 report by Mountain Data Group, commissioned by Santa Clara County, examines the health risks posed to children living near Reid-Hillview Airport in California due to lead emissions from leaded aviation gasoline. It analyzes statistical associations between children's blood lead levels and factors such as residential distance from the airport, aircraft traffic, and fuel sales. Note that while this report focuses on lead exposure from aviation fuel at a California airport, it does not address noise policy or Sea-Tac Airport operations.

This EPA technical report estimates airborne lead concentrations near U.S. airports caused by piston-engine aircraft burning leaded aviation gasoline (avgas). Using air quality modeling and extrapolation methods, the study identifies airports where lead levels may exceed national air quality standards, particularly in areas close to aircraft run-up zones. While not specific to Sea-Tac Airport, the findings are relevant to understanding aviation-related air quality impacts at airports nationwide.

This academic paper traces the history of human lead use from the Neolithic period through modern times, exploring how smelting, leaded fuel, water pipes, and paint contributed to widespread environmental and health contamination. Using lead isotope signatures found in Greenland ice cores, researchers identified a 200-fold increase in atmospheric lead levels between 800 BCE and the 1960s, with the sharpest rise after 1940. The study also examines the measurable impact of lead exposure on human health through analysis of ancient and modern skeletal remains.

This 2002 draft document presents 1996 modeled air exposure concentration estimates for toxic pollutants including lead, manganese, and arsenic across all U.S. states. It compares statewide source contributions from major industrial areas, onroad vehicles, nonroad sources, and background levels. Supplementary 2001 monitoring data from Sea-Tac Airport and nearby Seattle sites shows measured concentrations of these pollutants, with some local readings—such as a single manganese measurement exceeding 36 ng/m³ and an arsenic reading surpassing 12 ng/m³—notably higher than regional averages.

A soil contamination study by Washington State's Department of Ecology and Public Health – Seattle & King County found elevated levels of arsenic and lead in southern King County soils, linked primarily to the former Asarco smelter in Ruston. Contamination levels were highest near the smelter and on Vashon and Maury Islands, with concentrations decreasing further from the source and following prevailing wind patterns. While the findings are a concern rather than an emergency, officials stress that the study reflects regional trends only and cannot predict contamination levels at individual properties.

Response to Comment #16 by David DeForest to Linda Logan (September 2001) critiquing Shephard (1999) tissue screening concentrations (TSCs) for lead (0.32 mg/kg dw) and zinc (100 mg/kg dw) as applied to cutthroat trout from Miller Creek. Argues Shephard TSCs derived from EPA water quality criteria and bioconcentration factors (BCFs) are not appropriate for cutthroat