Sean Stratton, a Rutgers University doctoral student, has tested more than 140 homes in East Trenton, New Jersey, for lead contamination over the past two years. He defended his dissertation in February and plans to graduate in May, raising concerns among residents and community groups about who will continue the comprehensive household testing. The neighborhood was added to the EPA's Superfund National Priorities List last July due to widespread soil contamination.
Stratton began testing in late 2023 after connecting with residents like Kim Booker through the East Trenton Collaborative. Booker's home showed lead levels in her yard exceeding 450 parts per million, above the EPA's hazard threshold, along with contamination in paint and water. She also had detectable lead in her bloodstream. Stratton provided detailed results and guidance to homeowners, filling gaps in fragmented public testing options such as free child blood screenings or paid water kits from Trenton Water Works costing $20 to $100 each. “The city shouldn’t rely on a student to do this work,” Stratton said. His findings, presented during his February dissertation defense, revealed lead in most tested homes: all floor dust samples had detectable levels, with 86 percent exceeding EPA action levels. Even homes without lead paint faced risks from legacy dust in soil. Stratton recommended water filters, noting that flushing taps for five minutes was insufficient. Despite the Superfund designation triggering future soil cleanup plans, no door-to-door testing or remediation has started. Community leader Shereyl Snider expressed hope for continued collaboration but uncertainty without major funding. “We don’t want to stop working together,” she said. New Jersey, with 350,000 lead service lines, has received over $100 million in federal funds for pipe replacements, yet soil, paint, and adult screening remain unaddressed. Residents like Booker have adapted by vacuuming floors and requiring handwashing after yard play. “Knowledge is only powerful and beneficial if its effects change,” Booker said.
