What is the EPA standard for lead in low-contact soil?

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Multiple Choice

What is the EPA standard for lead in low-contact soil?

Exposure risk from soil lead depends on how often people come into contact with the soil. The EPA uses different thresholds based on contact frequency: soil in areas where children frequently play is kept to a lower level because ingestion risk is higher there, while soil in places with little contact can have a higher level before it’s considered a hazard. That’s why the standard for low-contact outdoor soil is higher—1200 parts per million. In contrast, soil in play areas has a more protective threshold, about 400 ppm, since kids are more likely to pick up soil and put their hands in their mouths. So, for low-contact soil, 1200 ppm is the appropriate EPA reference. If a sample in a low-contact area approaches or exceeds that level, further assessment and potential remediation would be considered.

Exposure risk from soil lead depends on how often people come into contact with the soil. The EPA uses different thresholds based on contact frequency: soil in areas where children frequently play is kept to a lower level because ingestion risk is higher there, while soil in places with little contact can have a higher level before it’s considered a hazard. That’s why the standard for low-contact outdoor soil is higher—1200 parts per million. In contrast, soil in play areas has a more protective threshold, about 400 ppm, since kids are more likely to pick up soil and put their hands in their mouths. So, for low-contact soil, 1200 ppm is the appropriate EPA reference. If a sample in a low-contact area approaches or exceeds that level, further assessment and potential remediation would be considered.

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