Lead Contamination in Omaha: Health Risks, Cleanup Efforts, and How to Protect Your Family

The ProPublica reporter Cassandra Garibay collects soil samples to test for lead in Omaha, Nebraska, last fall. Photo by Chris Bowling/Flatwater Free Press

For more than a century, a lead smelter and other industrial facilities in downtown Omaha spewed toxic dust across the city, contaminating soil and exposing residents to dangerous levels of lead. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the city of Omaha have spent decades attempting to clean up the contamination. However, in 2019, the EPA acknowledged that its original cleanup plan might not adequately protect children from lead exposure.

Now, the agency is re-examining the site to potentially expand the cleanup efforts, which could include remediating more residential yards within the affected area, known as the Superfund site.

Investigative Reporting on Omaha’s Lead Contamination

Journalists from Flatwater Free Press and ProPublica collaborated to assess the progress of the cleanup. Their investigation involved collecting soil samples from over 600 yards in and around the Superfund site. Many residents they spoke with were unaware of the contamination risks or the existence of the Superfund site itself. They also had questions about how to stay safe from lead exposure.

To address these concerns, the team consulted experts and compiled answers to common questions below.

How to Get Involved: Soil Testing Opportunities

We are expanding our soil testing efforts beyond the federally designated cleanup zone. If you live in Council Bluffs, Iowa; Carter Lake, Iowa; or the northern part of Bellevue, Nebraska, you can sign up for a free soil test by filling out our form.

If your family has experienced elevated blood lead levels, you can share your story with reporter Chris Bowling at [email protected].

Understanding Lead Poisoning: Risks and Effects

1. What is lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning occurs when lead—a toxic metal historically used in paint, gasoline, and plumbing—enters the body and accumulates over time. Children are particularly vulnerable because their bodies absorb more lead than adults, and their developing systems are more sensitive to its effects. Exposure can lead to developmental delays, behavioral issues, and long-term health complications.

Adults are also at risk, with potential consequences including high blood pressure, memory impairment, joint pain, and muscle weakness.

2. What are unsafe lead levels?

There is no safe level of lead exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines an elevated blood lead level in children as 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood. If a child’s test results exceed this threshold, the Douglas County Health Department will conduct an environmental risk assessment, including a home inspection and education on exposure prevention.

The National Center for Healthy Housing provides a checklist for reducing lead exposure in homes. Residents within the Superfund site can check their soil lead levels on the Omaha Lead Registry.

According to an EPA risk model, soil lead concentrations of 100 parts per million or less are predicted to protect children from developing blood lead levels currently considered high by the CDC.

Key Takeaways

• Omaha’s lead contamination stems from over a century of industrial activity, particularly from a lead smelter in downtown Omaha.
• The EPA is reassessing its cleanup plan to better protect children and may expand remediation efforts to include more residential yards.
• Lead poisoning poses serious health risks, especially to children, and there is no safe level of exposure.
• Unsafe blood lead levels in children are defined as 3.5 micrograms per deciliter by the CDC.
• Residents can check soil lead levels on the Omaha Lead Registry and sign up for free soil testing if they live outside the current cleanup zone.