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Tacoma Smelter Plume -  Guidance for Child Use Areas

Is your child use area within the Soil Safety Program Service Area? If so, you may be eligible for free soil testing and funding assistance through the Soil Safety Program!

If you are located within the Tacoma Smelter Plume footprint, your property may have potentially harmful levels of lead and arsenic.  You may be contacted by your local health department or Ecology to participate in the Soil Safety Program.

If you are not located within the Soil Safety Program Service Area, the following resources are available:

• How do I know how much lead and arsenic is in my soil?  
  • Learn how to sample soil:  
    • Sampling Guidance – Small Properties
    • Sampling Guidance – Large Properties  
  • Send your samples to a lab - Certified labs in Washington
     
• What are the health effects of lead and arsenic?  
  • Arsenic Fact Sheet
  • Lead Fact Sheet
     
• What can I do to protect children in my care?
  • Learn about actions you can take to reduce exposure to contaminated soil:
    • Soil Safety Action Guide – Small Properties
    • Soil Safety Action Guide – Large Properties
  • Public Health Seattle King County provides posters, brochures, and videos on soil safety and hygiene.
  • Tacoma Pierce County Health Department provides Digger’s Dirt (newsletter) and free presentations for preschools, K-3, and childcare facilities in Tacoma, University Place, Fircrest, Lakewood and Gig Harbor.

If you have other questions about toxics on your property, please visit the Online Guide for Homeowners and Small Businesses: What to do if you discover toxic wastes on your property