News | May 2026

WashU initiative testing soil, air in tornado-affected neighborhoods

The Clean STL project is a Washington University–led environmental health initiative focused on north St. Louis neighborhoods affected by the May 16, 2025, tornado.

Researchers are studying whether the storm redistributed dangerous contaminants, especially lead, asbestos, and industrial dust, into residential yards, streets, and homes after older buildings were destroyed.

Emily Wright, Ph.D. candidate and NSF Graduate Research Fellow collects soil samples.

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Disaster Response

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