The Soccer Coliseum in Teaneck, New Jersey, has long been a popular destination for youth soccer programs. However, a recent investigation by The Intercept has revealed a hidden danger lurking beneath the playing fields. The basement of the facility, which was once an Army National Guard indoor firing range, is contaminated with toxic lead dust. This poses a serious health risk to the players, staff, and spectators who frequent the facility.
The Army National Guard has been aware of the lead contamination in armories across the country for decades but has failed to take the necessary action to remediate the hazards. Exclusive documents obtained by The Intercept show that the Army National Guard knowingly endangered the health and safety of soldiers and civilians at armories in three states, and possibly 53 states and territories in total.
Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for children and can cause permanent damage to the brain and nervous system. Even low levels of lead in the blood can lead to reduced cognitive abilities and academic achievement. In adults, lead exposure increases the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, and kidney damage. Pregnant women exposed to high levels of lead are more likely to suffer miscarriages and stillbirths.
Despite the known risks of lead contamination, the Army National Guard has failed to properly remediate armories with indoor firing ranges. The 2020 Army audit revealed that 73 of 83 armories with indoor firing ranges in New Jersey, North Carolina, and Ohio were not thoroughly remediated, and the required lead evaluations were not conducted. This puts soldiers and civilians at risk of lead exposure.
The Army National Guard’s database, known as PRIDE, is also unreliable and inconsistent when it comes to tracking lead abatement efforts. The database lists armories as “closed” and remediated when they may still pose a threat. In some cases, armories that were supposedly remediated were found to have excessive lead levels upon further inspection.
The lack of action by the Army National Guard is concerning and highlights the need for stricter regulations and oversight when it comes to lead contamination in public buildings. Lead is a known toxin that can have serious health effects, especially for children and pregnant women. It is crucial that the Army National Guard takes immediate action to remediate armories with lead contamination and ensure the safety of soldiers, civilians, and the public.
Lead contamination in armories is not a new issue. Reports and investigations dating back to the 1940s have highlighted the dangers of lead-contaminated shooting ranges. However, the problem has persisted due to a lack of enforcement and oversight. It is time for the Army National Guard to prioritize the safety of its facilities and take the necessary steps to protect the health and well-being of those who use them.
In conclusion, the lead contamination in the Soccer Coliseum and other armories across the country is a serious public health issue. The Army National Guard must take immediate action to remediate these facilities and ensure the safety of soldiers, civilians, and the public. Stricter regulations and oversight are needed to prevent future lead contamination and protect the health of future generations.