New research from a West Chester University geology professor indicates that people can ingest lead through dirt, dust, and even from drinking water, writes Catalina Jaramillo for PlanPhilly, a Project of WHYY.

Cynthia Hall and her students took samples of dirt from 24 sites in Philadelphia, and traces of the poisonous metal were present at different levels throughout the city. Some of the most toxic sites were not associated with house paint or lead smelters.

The wide distribution and small size of the lead particles make Hall believe it was cars that spread the metal everywhere. Leaded gasoline was banned in 1996, but particles of the metal remain in the ground for years.

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Lead can cause learning and behavior problems in children, and slow down their development.

Other sources of lead cited by the Philadelphia Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Advisory Group and the Philadelphia Health Department are soil, water, folk remedies, ceramics, toys, pets, shoes, work clothes, and uniforms.

Children are especially vulnerable to lead, and even low levels of exposure can harm people over time.

Click here to read more about the presence of lead from PlanPhilly.

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