Indiana Lead Testing Laboratory Warns of Lead in Soil Contamination

Recently, the mayor of East Chicago, Indiana has announced that a local housing complex will be demolished due to higher than acceptable levels of lead found in the soil. The complex is located near two former lead smelting plants that were designated a Superfund site in 2009. It has been reported that over 1,100 residents, including 670 children, currently reside in an area where the top layer of soil is 30 times higher than the lead level deemed safe for children to play.

According the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), children six-years-old or younger are at a higher risk of serious health effects from lead exposure since their growing bodies are more likely to absorb lead. Children are also more likely to touch their mouth after touching soil or other items that may contain lead. Exposure to lead can affect almost every organ and system in the human body, but most commonly affects the brain and nervous system in children. Symptoms associated with lead can include behavior or learning problems, hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems and anemia. In rare cases, exposure to lead can cause seizures, coma or death.

“Preventing lead exposure before it is able to cause health issues is extremely important for the development of growing children,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we offer lead testing services for soil, water, drinking water, paint, dust, air, plumbing and job sites. In addition to testing services, EMSL also provides field test kits that provide rapid results.”

EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides laboratory services for air sample analysis, employing National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and EPA test methods. EMSL offers an easy-to-use Lead in Paint and Dust Test Kit that can be found at www.EMSLTestKits.com. EMSL has also sponsored an education video about protecting children from lead poisoning that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/LkEqFhNDS-U.

To assist with testing soil for lead, EMSL has a laboratory located at 2001 East 52nd Street in Indianapolis, Indiana. The lab can be reached by calling (317) 803-2997.

For more information about lead or other environmental testing services, please call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For a complete list of laboratory locations, services and accreditations, please visit www.EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail