EPA Addresses Toxic Lead Exposure Risks due to Soil Contamination at Michigan Park

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that the agency had begun lead-contaminated soil cleanup at a residential park located in Detroit. The contaminated soil was found when the city started to install playground equipment at the park. Workers found a layer of blue soil mixed with demolition debris used as fill at the site. Contamination was also found in a soil pile left from the playground excavation.

While lead is a naturally occurring element, in some urban environments it can be found in high concentrations in the soil. This is primarily due to its past use in lead-based paints that degraded over time and settled into the surrounding soil. Lead was also used in gasoline and as auto emissions settled, they too could increase soil lead levels. Contaminated soil can also be the result of current or past industrial use of the land or due to the dumping of demolition debris as appears to be the case in this instance.

“Lead contamination of soil will persist in most circumstances so it needs to be addressed if it is an exposure risk,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Fortunately, in this case, the soil was tested as playground equipment meant for young children was being installed. While anyone can be at risk of lead poisoning if they are exposed to elevated levels of the toxic heavy metal, children are at especially high risk. This is due to their rapidly developing bodies and hand-to-mouth activities so common with young children.”

Those concerned about the potential presence of lead, other heavy metals or chemical contaminants in the soil around their homes, schools, parks or businesses can turn to EMSL Analytical, Inc. for quick and affordable testing services. EMSL also provides all of the sampling supplies necessary and even has easy-to-use test kits for identifying lead indoors or from water samples. The lead testing experts have also sponsored an educational video about possible signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in children that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/HprCSwxWl0k.

To learn more about lead or other environmental, indoor air quality, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to environmental test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 44 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail