What is the soil lead concentration limit for a play area and for other parts of the yard?

What is the soil lead concentration limit for a play area and for other parts of the yard?

• A. 200 ppm play area, 800 ppm
• B. 300 ppm play area, 900 ppm
• C. 500 ppm play area, 1500 ppm
• D. 400 ppm play area, 1200 ppm other parts

Answer: (D)

The key idea here is that soil lead risk is evaluated differently depending on where people spend time, especially children. In places where kids are most likely to play and put soil in their mouths, the threshold for a lead hazard is lower—400 parts per million. In other parts of the yard, where exposure is less direct, the threshold is higher—1200 parts per million. These specific numbers come from EPA guidance used in lead hazard assessments to determine when action is needed to protect children. If soil tests exceed these limits, remediation or protective measures are typically required to reduce exposure; if they’re below, the soil isn’t considered a lead hazard under these standards.

The key idea here is that soil lead risk is evaluated differently depending on where people spend time, especially children. In places where kids are most likely to play and put soil in their mouths, the threshold for a lead hazard is lower—400 parts per million. In other parts of the yard, where exposure is less direct, the threshold is higher—1200 parts per million. These specific numbers come from EPA guidance used in lead hazard assessments to determine when action is needed to protect children. If soil tests exceed these limits, remediation or protective measures are typically required to reduce exposure; if they’re below, the soil isn’t considered a lead hazard under these standards.