Citizen Science Research

Projects in the news

FDA calls out Common Spices for lead

March 6, 2024. Wapo. Elevated lead found in six ground cinnamon spice brands, FDA warns. "The agency is advising people to throw away brands of ground cinnamon after tests detected lead contamination. Elevated levels of lead have been detected in six brands of ground cinnamon spice, the latest contamination of the toxic metal following a massive recall of tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches last fall. The products — bags and plastic bottles of ground cinnamon often used in home cooking — have far lower levels of lead than what was detected in the lead-tainted cinnamon used in the apple puree pouches. But the Food and Drug Administration said in a statement Wednesday that “prolonged exposure” to the products may be unsafe and could contribute to elevated blood lead levels. Applesauce lead cases in children surge amid questions on FDA oversight. The FDA is advising people to throw away six brands of ground cinnamon under the names La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, Supreme Tradition and El Chilar. The products are sold at local and national retailers, including Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Patel Brothers and Save A Lot. The FDA has asked the companies to issue voluntary recalls." Get the details here.

​Here's a citizen science project. Trot on down to one of these stores in your community and see if these spices are still on the shelves. 

Conduct your own investigation 

Do neighborhood playgrounds, rusted overpasses, or abandoned building create lead hazards in your community. CLASH will help you gather the evidence!

Here's some examples!

How many renters in your community have received disclosures of known lead hazards? Penalties can be assessed.  A recent study in Pittsburgh's Wilkinsburg neighborhood showed that 51 of 76 homes tested had lead hazards, but 78% of residents of the households were unaware of lead hazards. 

Test the soil in vacant lots, around abandoned houses, and in playgrounds in your community.  With just a little training, CLASH can have the samples tested to identify lead hazards in your community. 

Test the apartments and common areas in your multifamily building to identify lead hazards where you live. Training provided.

Examples of citizen science projects

Apex School Colorado. September 7, 2023. KREX Ascent’s doors are now open…but not the permanent ones "To recap, we’ve followed up on serious concerns over the past few weeks of lead poisoning in the building intended to house Ascent Classical, formerly known as Rocky Mountain Gun Club. Anne Landman, a local independent investigative journalist and concerned citizen has been digging deeper into this story." More here.