CEC trainee Marissa Chan and other members of the James-Todd Lab participated in the Zoo Howl Halloween event at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston. This outdoor event included activities throughout the zoo, all themed around environmental and ecological stewardship and Halloween of course! In conjunction with the HSPH NIEHS Center for Environmental Health, the MEMCARE-SRC's booth focused on informing community members about metals exposures from soils and strategies for limiting exposure to metals from community gardens and dust that we might bring into our homes.
Our group presented a hands-on activity for community members that included a variety of backyard and garden soil samples from all over Boston. We used an XRF from Project 1 to measure elements/metals in the soil. We provided guests with a resource about sunflowers, raised garden beds, and even how doormat use can help reduce metals exposures and discussed where these metals are coming from in the communities. We provided materials to community members, as well as hand out a treat for children that stopped by the booth.