"Kentucky Tests Find Lead-Tainted Soil Near Homes"

"Environmental regulators in Kentucky have found high levels of lead contamination at a former foundry site in Newport that is located next to homes. In Portland, Ore., state officials said Thursday that they will start canvassing a neighborhood near a former lead factory site as they prepare to test yards there for contamination."



"The actions are among the latest results of a USA TODAY investigation last month revealing that hundreds of neighborhoods face potential health risks from lead left in the soil by forgotten factories that operated during the 1930s to 1960s.

The toxic dust they left behind can remain in soil for hundreds of years, putting kids at risk of lost intelligence and other health problems if they put dust-covered hands or toys in their mouths."

Alison Young reports for USA TODAY May 24, 2012, as part of an ongoing investigative feature series, "Ghost Factories."

"Ghost Factories" Series Portal

Source: USA TODAY, 05/25/2012