A Kansas State University professor, Ganga Hettiarachchi, is leading a new study to address high lead levels in the soil of Kansas City, Kansas. She received nearly $800,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to explore affordable soil treatments that can reduce lead contamination. This follows previous research conducted in Kansas City, Missouri, where lead was found to be a major problem due to factors like old housing and leaded gasoline.

Hettiarachchi’s research will focus on finding cost-effective solutions to bind lead in soil and test these methods in the community. Lead exposure is a health risk, especially for children, as it can cause brain and nervous system damage.

“The lack of adequate field studies and the urgent need for science-based knowledge concerning the effectiveness of urban soil lead interventions has been recognized in a survey on the topic,” Hettiarachchi said.

The study will also involve community outreach to educate residents about lead hazards and the potential solutions. The project is a collaboration with local governments, health departments, and community organizations.