Hawaii Island Soil Contamination
March 7, 2019
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE), with the support of the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), completed a soil study at 23 schools on the east side of Hawaii Island. Eighteen schools, including the school your child attends, tested positive for arsenic, organochlorine and/or lead present in the soil. We are sharing the following information out of an abundance of caution and want to reassure you that exposure to these contaminants is preventable.
This issue of contamination is not unique to schools and could persist around any older home or building. We need to be vigilant and understand how to protect ourselves and our children from these chemicals. Please see the attached fact sheet from DOH for more information and helpful tips.
HIDOE worked with DOH to create school-specific plans to minimize lead exposure to students and staff. Areas found to have the highest soil contamination were immediately addressed with containment measures, and mitigation efforts are continuing at some campuses. Containment measures have included the removal and proper disposal of impacted soil; planting of clean soil, ground cover or pavers; and restricted access to affected areas.
The 18 impacted Hawaii Island schools are:
Parents concerned about exposures may contact the 24-7 Hawai‘i Poison Center Hotline at (800) 222-1222 or consult with their child’s doctor. We appreciate your help as we work together to keep all of our students safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school.
Sincerely,
Chad Farias
Complex Area Superintendent
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE), with the support of the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), completed a soil study at 23 schools on the east side of Hawaii Island. Eighteen schools, including the school your child attends, tested positive for arsenic, organochlorine and/or lead present in the soil. We are sharing the following information out of an abundance of caution and want to reassure you that exposure to these contaminants is preventable.
This issue of contamination is not unique to schools and could persist around any older home or building. We need to be vigilant and understand how to protect ourselves and our children from these chemicals. Please see the attached fact sheet from DOH for more information and helpful tips.
HIDOE worked with DOH to create school-specific plans to minimize lead exposure to students and staff. Areas found to have the highest soil contamination were immediately addressed with containment measures, and mitigation efforts are continuing at some campuses. Containment measures have included the removal and proper disposal of impacted soil; planting of clean soil, ground cover or pavers; and restricted access to affected areas.
The 18 impacted Hawaii Island schools are:
- DeSilva Elementary (arsenic and lead)
- Haaheo Elementary (lead)
- Hilo High (lead)
- Hilo Intermediate (lead)
- Hilo Union Elementary (chlordane and lead)
- Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate (lead)
- Kapiolani Elementary (arsenic, chlordane and lead)
- Kau High & Pahala Elementary (chlordane and lead)
- Kaumana Elementary (lead)
- Keaau Middle (arsenic and lead)
- Keaukaha Elementary (lead)
- Laupahoehoe High & Elementary (lead)
- Mountain View Elementary (lead)
- Naalehu Elementary & Intermediate (lead)
- Pahoa Elementary (chlordane and lead)
- Pahoa High & Intermediate (arsenic, chlordane and lead)
- Waiakea Intermediate (arsenic)
- Waiakeawaena Elementary (chlordane and lead
Parents concerned about exposures may contact the 24-7 Hawai‘i Poison Center Hotline at (800) 222-1222 or consult with their child’s doctor. We appreciate your help as we work together to keep all of our students safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school.
Sincerely,
Chad Farias
Complex Area Superintendent
Contaminated Soils Schools Fact Sheet
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEAD, ARSENIC, AND ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES IN SOILS AT HAWAI'I SCHOOLS
This fact sheet provides schools with an overview of lead, arsenic, and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soils at schools in Hawai‘i. Additionally, this fact sheet discusses methods for reducing exposure to these contaminants, potential human health concerns, and resources for further information.
WHY ARE LEAD, ARSENIC, AND ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES A POTENTIAL CONCERN FOR HAWAI‘I SCHOOLS?
The Hawai‘i Department of Education (HDOE) conducted soil sampling in certain areas at 23 schools on the eastern side of Hawai‘i Island. Analytical results showed that approximately 60% of the schools had areas with elevated soil lead levels, 20% had areas with elevated soil arsenic levels, and 20% had areas with elevated soil organochlorine pesticides (OCP) levels. These chemicals were predominantly found within a narrow strip of 3 to 4 feet along older building foundations. Only rarely were elevated concentrations of these contaminants found in the soil samples collected from other areas of the schools. Lead around the building perimeters is likely associated with the past use of lead‐based paint on building exteriors prior to 1978. Arsenic was commonly used for weed control in the 1910s through 1940s, which included use along building perimeters. OCPs were used for termite control at building foundations from the mid‐1940s to the 1980s. Restricting access to areas immediately adjacent to building perimeters and foundations through simple methods described in this fact sheet can greatly reduce the potential for exposure to these contaminants.
The potential occurrence of lead, arsenic, and/or OCPs in (pre‐1990) building perimeter soils is not unique to schools. The HEER Office and other published studies have documented similar concerns for older homes and businesses. The recommendations provided in this fact sheet can also be used to reduce potential soil exposure to these contaminants around your home or business. Soil testing is the only way to know for certain if levels of soil contaminants are high enough to pose a potential health risk.
The potential occurrence of lead, arsenic, and/or OCPs in (pre‐1990) building perimeter soils is not unique to schools. The HEER Office and other published studies have documented similar concerns for older homes and businesses. The recommendations provided in this fact sheet can also be used to reduce potential soil exposure to these contaminants around your home or business. Soil testing is the only way to know for certain if levels of soil contaminants are high enough to pose a potential health risk.
WHAT ARE LEAD AND ARSENIC, AND HOW DID THEY GET IN THE SOIL NEAR SOME SCHOOL BUILDINGS?
Lead and arsenic are naturally occurring elements that are present at low levels in all soils, including soils in Hawai‘i. However, elevated levels of both these contaminants in soils are most likely related to past human activities. Current human activities can affect exposure to these contaminants if the soils or building materials are disturbed.
There are two main human‐caused sources of lead in soils: the past use of lead‐based paint, and the past use of leaded gasoline. The use of lead in house paint was banned by 1978 but it still exists in the interior and/or exterior paint of many older buildings in Hawai‘i. Soil around the perimeter of buildings can become contaminated with lead as paint chips off of exterior walls and falls to the ground. In addition, some types of older roofing nails can contain lead. Similar to the paint chips, lead can be leached from the nails that have fallen to the ground and contaminate the soil. Elevated levels of lead in soil can also be related to the past use of lead in gasoline. Although lead in gasoline was phased out starting in the 1970s and completely banned in 1995, decades of leaded gasoline use often contaminated soils adjacent to highways and roads with lead. Lead does not degrade in soils but can be dispersed through natural or human soil disturbances over time or could be transported by erosion to adjacent areas.
The main source of the elevated levels of arsenic predominantly found along building foundations was likely the use of arsenic‐based herbicides, insecticides, and/or rodenticides in the 1920s through 1940s. These chemicals may have also been used along fence lines or property lines for weed control during that same time period. Generally, the Hawai‘i Department of Education (HDOE) sampling at East Hawai‘i schools did not identify levels of arsenic above human health risk levels in open areas and playfields at schools. However only surface soils (the top 4 to 6 inches of soil) were tested. Therefore, it is unknown whether deeper soils may be contaminated without further testing. Since inorganic arsenic is stable in the environment, it can remain in soil for many years.
There are two main human‐caused sources of lead in soils: the past use of lead‐based paint, and the past use of leaded gasoline. The use of lead in house paint was banned by 1978 but it still exists in the interior and/or exterior paint of many older buildings in Hawai‘i. Soil around the perimeter of buildings can become contaminated with lead as paint chips off of exterior walls and falls to the ground. In addition, some types of older roofing nails can contain lead. Similar to the paint chips, lead can be leached from the nails that have fallen to the ground and contaminate the soil. Elevated levels of lead in soil can also be related to the past use of lead in gasoline. Although lead in gasoline was phased out starting in the 1970s and completely banned in 1995, decades of leaded gasoline use often contaminated soils adjacent to highways and roads with lead. Lead does not degrade in soils but can be dispersed through natural or human soil disturbances over time or could be transported by erosion to adjacent areas.
The main source of the elevated levels of arsenic predominantly found along building foundations was likely the use of arsenic‐based herbicides, insecticides, and/or rodenticides in the 1920s through 1940s. These chemicals may have also been used along fence lines or property lines for weed control during that same time period. Generally, the Hawai‘i Department of Education (HDOE) sampling at East Hawai‘i schools did not identify levels of arsenic above human health risk levels in open areas and playfields at schools. However only surface soils (the top 4 to 6 inches of soil) were tested. Therefore, it is unknown whether deeper soils may be contaminated without further testing. Since inorganic arsenic is stable in the environment, it can remain in soil for many years.
WHAT ARE ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES AND HOW DID THEY GET IN THE SOIL NEAR SOME SCHOOL BUILDINGS?
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are a group of pesticides that were primarily used in and around wooden buildings from the mid‐1940s to the late 1980s for termite control. They were also used in agricultural fields to control insects. The OCP most commonly used in Hawai‘i in the past was chlordane; however, other OCPS used included aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). In the 1970s and 1980s, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all uses of these OCPs except for heptachlor, which can only be used today to control fire ants in underground power transformers.
OCPs were commonly applied to soil beneath buildings or beneath slab foundations, and around foundation perimeters. The highest concentrations of OCPs in soil are typically found in the top 1 to 2 feet of soil and up to 1 to 3 feet away from the building perimeter. OCPs break down very slowly in the environment and are not detectable by smell or sight. Additionally, application rates were relatively high, and the applications may have been repeated over time. As a result, these OCPs may still be found in treated soils at levels of concern to human health.
OCPs were commonly applied to soil beneath buildings or beneath slab foundations, and around foundation perimeters. The highest concentrations of OCPs in soil are typically found in the top 1 to 2 feet of soil and up to 1 to 3 feet away from the building perimeter. OCPs break down very slowly in the environment and are not detectable by smell or sight. Additionally, application rates were relatively high, and the applications may have been repeated over time. As a result, these OCPs may still be found in treated soils at levels of concern to human health.
HOW ARE PEOPLE EXPOSED TO LEAD, ARSENIC AND ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES IN THE SOIL?
Unintentional ingestion of contaminated soil is the primary source of exposure to lead, arsenic, and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soil. Dirt on hands from normal play activities, working in a school garden, or from residual dirt on produce grown in the school gardens can result in accidental ingestion of contaminated soil. Children frequently put their hands or other objects in their mouths, and these can often have small amounts of soil and dust on them that the child then swallows. Small soil particles can be also carried into schools on hands, shoes and clothing, or as airborne dust. Once inside the school, the contaminated soil can be deposited on floors, furniture, or other objects that children come in contact with. Neither lead nor arsenic is absorbed through bare skin in significant amounts. Although OCPs can be absorbed through the skin during and immediately after they are applied, the main means of exposure long after application is primarily through ingestion of contaminated soil or contaminated residues.
Produce grown in soil with elevated arsenic and lead levels is generally considered safe to eat as long as it has been thoroughly washed to remove contaminated soil and dust. Arsenic and lead are not generally absorbed by edible plants. Thorough washing with clean, running water is especially important for root crops such as taro, carrots, and sweet potatoes, as well as for leafy vegetables, like fern heads, kale, and lettuce because of the tendency for soil and dust to stick to the surface of the produce. However, OCPs can be absorbed into plants grown in contaminated soil. Therefore, it is very important to grow produce in clean soil free from contamination.
Produce grown in soil with elevated arsenic and lead levels is generally considered safe to eat as long as it has been thoroughly washed to remove contaminated soil and dust. Arsenic and lead are not generally absorbed by edible plants. Thorough washing with clean, running water is especially important for root crops such as taro, carrots, and sweet potatoes, as well as for leafy vegetables, like fern heads, kale, and lettuce because of the tendency for soil and dust to stick to the surface of the produce. However, OCPs can be absorbed into plants grown in contaminated soil. Therefore, it is very important to grow produce in clean soil free from contamination.
WHAT ARE THE HUMAN HEALTH CONCERNS OF EXPOSURE TO LEAD, ARSENIC, AND ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES?
Exposure to lead can be particularly harmful to young children. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lead poisoning is the most common and serious “environmental” disease affecting children. Children’s bodies absorb more lead than adults and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.
Lead can affect most every organ and system in the human body. Children repeatedly exposed to even low levels of lead have been shown to develop behavior and learning problems, lower IQ, hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems, insomnia, and anemia. Once absorbed by the human body, lead is difficult to remove. Consequently, limiting exposure to lead wherever possible is recommended.
Long‐term exposure to high levels of arsenic is associated with increased cancer risk, heart and blood vessel damage, inflammation of the liver, and dermatological issues. These health effects have not been documented for soil arsenic exposure in Hawai‘i. These symptoms are more commonly identified in other countries where drinking water is highly contaminated with arsenic. This is not the case in Hawai‘i. The Hawai‘i Department of Health (HDOH) has a water quality testing program for all public water systems in the state, including testing for arsenic. Arsenic does not build up in the body, so arsenic levels will start to decrease in the body once exposure stops. In addition, only a certain amount of the arsenic ingested will dissolve in the digestive system and potentially contribute to health risks. This amount that can be absorbed by the body is called the “bioaccessible” arsenic level. The bioaccessibility of arsenic in Hawai‘i soils has been demonstrated to be very low.
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are a group of pesticides so their health effects vary by chemical. Repeated exposure to high levels of chlordane, the OCP most commonly used to treat termites in Hawai‘i, can cause problems with the nervous system, such as tremors and irritability, and may impair liver function. Chlordane is not known to pose a significant cancer risk.
Lead can affect most every organ and system in the human body. Children repeatedly exposed to even low levels of lead have been shown to develop behavior and learning problems, lower IQ, hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems, insomnia, and anemia. Once absorbed by the human body, lead is difficult to remove. Consequently, limiting exposure to lead wherever possible is recommended.
Long‐term exposure to high levels of arsenic is associated with increased cancer risk, heart and blood vessel damage, inflammation of the liver, and dermatological issues. These health effects have not been documented for soil arsenic exposure in Hawai‘i. These symptoms are more commonly identified in other countries where drinking water is highly contaminated with arsenic. This is not the case in Hawai‘i. The Hawai‘i Department of Health (HDOH) has a water quality testing program for all public water systems in the state, including testing for arsenic. Arsenic does not build up in the body, so arsenic levels will start to decrease in the body once exposure stops. In addition, only a certain amount of the arsenic ingested will dissolve in the digestive system and potentially contribute to health risks. This amount that can be absorbed by the body is called the “bioaccessible” arsenic level. The bioaccessibility of arsenic in Hawai‘i soils has been demonstrated to be very low.
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are a group of pesticides so their health effects vary by chemical. Repeated exposure to high levels of chlordane, the OCP most commonly used to treat termites in Hawai‘i, can cause problems with the nervous system, such as tremors and irritability, and may impair liver function. Chlordane is not known to pose a significant cancer risk.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE SCHOOL’S SOIL IS CONTAMINATED?
Soil testing is the only way to know for certain if levels of lead, arsenic and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the soil are high enough to pose a potential health risk. School buildings built before 1978 are more likely to have elevated lead in the soil surrounding the foundations due to the past use of lead‐based paint on the structures. In addition, schools located near busy roadways may have elevated lead in the soil from the past use of lead‐containing gasoline. Schools constructed on former agricultural land, including sugar cane plantations, could have elevated levels of arsenic in the soil due to the past use of arsenic‐based herbicides to control weeds. In addition, soil around and beneath wooden school buildings constructed prior to 1990 may contain high levels of OCPs, such as chlordane.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I THINK A SCHOOL’S SOIL IS CONTAMINATED?
If you suspect your school may have elevated lead, arsenic, or organochlorine pesticides (OCP) levels in the soil, the soil should be tested, especially if your school is considering or has a garden or has exposed bare soil that children may regularly contact. Check with your school officials and district administrators regarding assistance with testing of school garden soils or bare soils at the school. The Hawai‘i Department of Health (HDOH) HEER Office can also provide advice and resources.
The HEER Office has established Environmental Action Levels (EALs) for lead, arsenic and OCPs in the soil. Concentrations of lead, arsenic, or OCPs in the soil below the EALs do not pose a health risk. If tests indicate lead, arsenic or OCPs levels are above EALs, further evaluation or cleanup actions may be necessary to minimize exposure to the soil. Contact the HEER Office if testing indicates soil levels are above the applicable EALs, and for specific advice on control or removal measures that should be taken.
The HEER Office has established Environmental Action Levels (EALs) for lead, arsenic and OCPs in the soil. Concentrations of lead, arsenic, or OCPs in the soil below the EALs do not pose a health risk. If tests indicate lead, arsenic or OCPs levels are above EALs, further evaluation or cleanup actions may be necessary to minimize exposure to the soil. Contact the HEER Office if testing indicates soil levels are above the applicable EALs, and for specific advice on control or removal measures that should be taken.
WHAT ACTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY SCHOOLS TO PREVENT EXPOSURE TO CONTAMINATED SOIL?
Hawai‘i Department of Education (HDOE) and Hawai‘i Department of Health (HDOH) have been working with individual East Hawai‘i schools to manage areas of soil contamination found during soil testing. HDOE has been implementing short term measures to minimize potential exposure. These included covering the contaminated soil with ground cover and making these areas inaccessible to students and staff. School specific Environmental Hazard Management Plans (EHMPs) have been issued for various schools. These EHMPs will guide schools’ management of soils to minimize the possibility of exposure to soil contaminants and provide alternatives for long‐term management. Additional soil testing at schools in some other locations is also planned by HDOE.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT EXPOSURE TO CONTAMINATED SOIL?
Accidentally swallowing small amounts of soil is the main way students, teachers, and staff would be exposed to lead, arsenic or organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soil. This type of exposure can occur at schools with contaminated soils, and also at people’s homes or businesses if contaminants are present. If testing reveals elevated levels of these or other contaminants on your property, or if you suspect your school may have elevated soil contaminant levels, the potential for exposure can be minimized through the following actions:
- Wash hands thoroughly after playing outside, after working in the school garden, and prior to eating.
- Avoid tracking soil into the school and clean up right away if soil is tracked in. Use door mats and boot scrapers. Leave shoes outside whenever possible.
- Maintain dense landscaping, gravel, or permanent cover, such as asphalt or concrete, close to building foundations, roads, and driveways to prevent children from playing in soil where higher contaminant levels can be found.
- Keep children from playing in bare dirt.
- If the school garden area has not been tested for lead, arsenic, and OCPs to determine the soil is OK for use, consider using planter boxes or raised garden beds filled with soil known to be free of contamination. If the soil for the garden beds is from the school property it should be sampled and tested to make sure it is clean. If the soil is brought in from an outside area, ask the person providing the soil to have the soil tested or otherwise provide evidence that it is unlikely to be contaminated. Refer to the HEER Office’s “Clean Fill Guidance” for additional information on testing of imported soil.
- Plant gardens at least 10 feet away from building foundations, roads, and driveways.
- Bring in clean sand for sandboxes.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables from the garden with clean, running water before bringing them into the school. Wash again carefully with a 1% vinegar solution or soapy water to remove any remaining soil particles. Discard outer leaves before eating leafy vegetables. Peel and remove the outer skin of root and tuber vegetables before eating. Do not compost the produce peelings and unused plant parts for use back in the school garden.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For questions related to lead, arsenic and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soils at schools, contact:
Hawai‘i Department of Health
Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office 2385 Waimano Home Road
Pearl City, Hawai‘i 96782
Telephone: (808) 586-2494
Website: http://hawaii.gov/doh/heer
If you have questions about having your child tested for lead contact:
Hawai‘i Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (HI‐CLPPP)
741 Sunset Avenue
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96816
Telephone: (808) 586‐4345
Website: http://health.hawaii.gov/cshcn/leadpp/
This fact sheet was created with assistance and funding from USEPA’s Region 9 Superfund Division.
Hawai‘i Department of Health
Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office 2385 Waimano Home Road
Pearl City, Hawai‘i 96782
Telephone: (808) 586-2494
Website: http://hawaii.gov/doh/heer
If you have questions about having your child tested for lead contact:
Hawai‘i Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (HI‐CLPPP)
741 Sunset Avenue
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96816
Telephone: (808) 586‐4345
Website: http://health.hawaii.gov/cshcn/leadpp/
This fact sheet was created with assistance and funding from USEPA’s Region 9 Superfund Division.