How deep do you go when sampling soil?

How deep do you go when sampling soil?

• A. One inch
• B. Top half-inch
• C. Three inches
• D. Six inches

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to measure the soil that children are most likely to contact and that reflects recent exposure from exterior lead sources. Sampling the top half-inch targets the surface layer where lead from paint, dust, and traffic tends to accumulate and where kids’ hands, toys, and play activities interact with the soil. Deeper soil can vary due to historical fills, root activity, and mixing, and it’s less representative of current exposure risk. By focusing on the surface layer, you get a consistent, exposure-relevant reading that informs risk more accurately.

The main idea is to measure the soil that children are most likely to contact and that reflects recent exposure from exterior lead sources. Sampling the top half-inch targets the surface layer where lead from paint, dust, and traffic tends to accumulate and where kids’ hands, toys, and play activities interact with the soil. Deeper soil can vary due to historical fills, root activity, and mixing, and it’s less representative of current exposure risk. By focusing on the surface layer, you get a consistent, exposure-relevant reading that informs risk more accurately.