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Tacoma Smelter Plume - Guidance for Homeowners

You reside near or within the Tacoma Smelter Plume. You can check to see if your home is located in a zip code within the Tacoma Smelter Plume footprint.   If you are located within the Tacoma Smelter Plume footprint,  your property may have potentially harmful levels of lead and arsenic.

Below are common questions related to arsenic and lead soil pollution:

• How do I know how much lead and arsenic is in my soil?
  • Learn how to sample soil with our Sampling Guidance
  • King County also provides a Resident Self-Testing Protocol
  • If you live in Pierce County, your local health department is offering Home Environmental Assessments
  • 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 myself and my family?
  • Learn about actions you can take to reduce exposure to polluted soil in our Soil Safety Action Guide
  • Read about Gardening on Lead- and Arsenic-Contaminated Soils

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.