Test for Lead Contamination in Soil
Soil is often contaminated with lead-paint chips flaking from exterior house paint, from sandblasting near-by metal structures such as bridges and highway overpasses, and from automobile exhaust fume (leaded gas).
Supplies
- LeadCheck® Household Lead Test Kit
- Object to be tested for lead
Steps
- Collect several spoonfuls of soil from various parts of your yard that you wish to test and place them in a flexible plastic bag. Break up any large clumps and mix all soil thoroughly.
- In a clean non-leaded glass or plastic container, place one teaspoon of soil and add two teaspoons of reconstituted lemon juice, such as Real Lemon.
- Thoroughly mix dirt and lemon juice together.
- Allow dirt to settle overnight at room tempature.
- The next morning, remove *one small drop of clear liquid above the dirt and place it on a piece of plastic wrap or waxed paper.
- Activate the LeadCheck® Swabs according to the direction and make sure that there is yellow liquid at the tip.
- Rub the Swab in the drop of liquid for about 15 seconds.
- If pink is observed on the swab, plastic wrap or both, high levels of extractable lead are present in the soil tested.
- * Be sure to use a small drop of liquid. A large drop dilutes the lead reactive material in the swab and can cause an inaccurate result.
Note: Some soil contains more clay that others and may completely absorb the two teaspoons of lemon juice. If your sample does not settle, leaving a layer of clear liquid, Repeat the test and either add 3-4 teaspoons of lemon juice to one teaspoon of soil OR reduce the amount of soil to 1/2 teaspoon and add two teaspoons of lemon juice.
If lead is identified in your home, then use these "lead safe practices":
- Get children tested even if they appear healthy.
- Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.
- Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces.
- Replace mini-blinds that test positive.
- Avoid using positively-tested dishes on a regular basis.
- Avoid using dishes that test positive for storage or for serving acidic foods.
- Don't leave toys that may contain lead in the sun.
- Never sand lead paint.
For a guide on reducing lead exposure when renovating or remodeling, ask for "Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home" published by the EPA. For further assistance consult a lead professional.