Astoria Park Has High Lead Levels, Soil Tests Show

ASTORIA, QUEENS — Astoria Park has lead levels that exceed suggested limits, WNYC has found.

The Queens green space had an average lead level of 136 parts per million, according to a series of soil tests by WNYC. One sample from the park's Charybdis Playground had a lead level of 328 parts per million (ppm), the radio station reported.

New York State says lead levels are worrisome above 400 ppm, but public health experts say that benchmark is outdated, according to WNYC. Some suggest a standard of 150 ppm, while California's standard is 80 ppm.

The Centers for Disease Control says no level of lead in children is safe, WNYC reported; research shows that exposure to lead dust may cause reduced IQ and hyperactivity.

City Council Member Costa Constantinides, who represents Astoria, introduced a bill last year to require the parks department to test the dirt in city parks and make the results public.

But health commissioner Oxiris Barbot is against the proposal, according to WNYC, arguing that soil is not a significant source of lead exposure for kids.

Read the full story on WNYC.