EPA releases more data for East Chicago Superfund site

Soil sampling in zone 2, the middle part of the neighborhood, began in August 2016. Data on the map will be updated as it becomes available, EPA said.

The map also includes EPA contact information for residents with more specific questions about the data, the soil removal schedule or other EPA activities. To view the map, go to the USS Lead Superfund site website, www.epa.gov/uss-lead-superfund-site, follow the "About the site" link and click on "Sampling data maps."

The map also includes a phone number for the East Chicago Health Department, which is offering blood lead level testing for city residents.

Officials last week said more adults than children have had their blood tested at the West Calumet Housing Complex. Contamination in the soil at a majority of the complex's properties exceeded EPA's priority cleanup levels.

Children younger than 7 are at primary risk of irreversible health problems including lower IQ because they are growing rapidly and tend to put their hands or other potentially contaminated objects into their mouths. Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding also are at risk.

The Indiana State Department of Health is offering a "one-stop shop" where residents can have their blood tested, obtain birth certificates and receive immunizations at no cost.