The Army National Guard’s lead pollution problem puts civilians and soldiers at imperil

The Army National Guard has not adequately addressed widespread lead contamination in its armories, which poses health risks to both soldiers and the public, particularly in facilities used for community activities like youth soccer.

**Key Points:**
- National Guard armories, many equipped with indoor firing ranges, have hazardous levels of lead dust that affect both military personnel and civilians.
- A 2020 Army audit indicated that between 600 and 1,300 armories across the country still contain lead contamination, despite years of warnings and incomplete cleanups.
- Public spaces, such as New Jersey’s Teaneck Armory, which hosts youth soccer events, may expose children and families to toxic lead.

**Importance:**
Lead exposure is associated with serious health problems, including kidney damage, hypertension, and irreversible neurological effects, particularly in children. Inadequate remediation of armories endangers both service members and local communities.