Free soil testing events will help South King County residents check for toxic contamination from Asarco Smelter

With the arrival of spring, the Washington Department of Ecology is offering two free soil testing events for South King County residents concerned about toxic contamination from the Asarco Smelter. This facility, which operated for nearly 100 years, left behind hazardous traces of arsenic and lead in local soils. The upcoming events will allow residents to bring soil samples for testing, offering an essential service for public health. Attendees can receive guidance from Ecology staff and representatives from Public Health Seattle-King County and the Washington State Department of Health on how to mitigate risks associated with soil contamination. Children are particularly at risk due to their developing bodies and tendency to put contaminated objects in their mouths.

Simple preventive measures, like removing shoes before entering the home, can help reduce exposure. Residents are encouraged to gather soil samples from high-traffic areas, ensuring they are clean of debris for effective testing. These events empower the community to take charge of their environmental health and foster awareness about historical pollution impacts.