Lead Exposure Hazards Found on Aging Playground Equipment

In July of this year, a California county’s comptroller sent a letter to the County Executive to inform him that lead paint on playground equipment in multiple county parks had been confirmed. In the letter it was reported that multiple layers of peeling and flaking paint on playground equipment was discovered after testing.

Multiple media outlets have also published articles about the discovery and The Buffalo News states, “Paint samples from a dozen old slides and swing sets submitted for lab testing by the Comptroller’s Office found 11 had levels that exceeded safety standards. Paint samples from five pieces of equipment had lead concentration levels that exceeded 10 percent.”

In addition to lead exposure risks coming from old, peeling playground equipment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that playgrounds can become contaminated when exterior lead-based paint from houses or buildings flake or peel and get into the soil. The agency also warns that some artificial turfs and playground surfaces made from shredded rubber can contain lead.

“No safe blood lead level in children has been identified according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention so it’s important that playgrounds do not pose an exposure risk,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This is especially true for children. The EPA states this because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Lead is commonly found in dust and soil. Since babies and young children put their hands in their mouths, they are at greater risk of exposure and higher levels of lead than adults.”

Park administrators, health officials and members of the public that are concerned about the potential presence of lead or other contaminants around playgrounds, parks, schools, homes or businesses can turn to EMSL Analytical for quick and affordable testing services. EMSL provides all of the sampling supplies necessary and has easy-to-use test kits for lead and other common exposure concerns. The testing experts have sponsored an educational video about possible signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in children that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/Hu1NEWaOISo.

To learn more about lead or other environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), 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 is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 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