Lead contamination found in three Durham parks

Two Durham parks are partially closed after city-hired contractors found dangerous levels of lead in the soil.

Why it matters: Chronic lead exposure is dangerous, especially for children. It can cause permanent damage to the brain and nervous system.

Driving the news: Contractors found eight soil samples with lead levels higher than the EPA threshold in East Durham Park, and seven in Walltown Park. All affected areas have been fenced off.

• Dangerous levels of lead were also found in the old Sign & Signal shop area of East End Park that isn't accessible to the public.
• None of the lead contamination was found in playground areas.

Catch up quick: The city hired a contractor after a Duke graduate student's research identified high levels of lead in East Durham, East End and Walltown parks due to the historic presence of trash incinerators.

The big picture: All three parks are located in predominantly non-white and/or low-income neighborhoods, INDY Week reports.

What's next: Further analysis of the soil. It's expected to be completed by Aug. 21 and after that, the city of Durham says it will hold public meetings to share the findings.