Many older properties have soil contaminated by lead. Unfortunately, the problem often goes unnoticed. The effects often do not show up immediately, yet long-term exposure can lead to a plethora of health complications.
Testing and addressing contaminated soil is the only way to ensure your property is safe for occupants, and passersby. Let’s dive into the details of outdoor lead abatement.
Where Lead Comes From
Lead was a common ingredient in household goods and construction materials throughout the twentieth century, which means there are a variety of ways lead can make its way into an older property’s soil. Common culprits include:
- Lead-Based Paint: Many homes built before the 1970s used lead-based paint. When the paint peels or flakes, tiny particles settle into the soil around the house. Flaking naturally occurs over time but can be exacerbated by construction projects or extreme weather events.
- Leaded Gasoline Residue: Properties located near roads or highways can have soil that’s been contaminated by decades of leaded gasoline emissions. Even after leaded gas was phased out, the residue can remain in the soil for years, meaning all properties near a road where lead gas-powered vehicles once drove are susceptible.
- Lead pipes: Certain regions of the country have more properties with lead plumbing than others; overall, Colorado has far fewer properties with lead pipes than other states, with almost none reported outside of Denver. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDA) put together an interactive lead pipe map that shows where properties with lead piping are concentrated.
- Industrial Activities and Plumbing: Factories, smelters, and other industrial operations can also contribute to elevated lead levels in the soil. Water runoff and erosion can spread the contamination, affecting areas beyond the immediate property.
Even small, overlooked sources can accumulate over time and result in significant contamination. That’s why it’s important to consider all potential contributors when evaluating your soil.
How to Address Lead Contamination
The health risks of lead are well documented and include short- as well as long-term effects. Soil-based lead exposure is difficult to prevent in properties where it is present, as dirt is tracked nearly everywhere and dust is kicked up into the air.
Because lead can quietly build up in the body before symptoms present, taking proactive steps to identify and reduce exposure is crucial for everyone on the property.
Common Signs of Lead Presence
Look for flaking or chipped paint on older buildings, especially near play areas or garden edges. Bare lawn patches, stunted plants, or unusual soil discoloration can also indicate contamination. Properties close to former industrial sites or high-traffic roads deserve extra scrutiny. Remember, these are just clues—visual observation alone won’t tell you the full story.
Testing and Evaluating Your Property
It’s important to know that lead occurs naturally in soil, so trace amounts are almost always present. The real concern arises when lead forms compounds that the body can absorb and when those levels rise high enough to pose health risks.
Accurate testing is the only way to know if your soil is unsafe, and you generally have two options: you can get a DIY home test or hire a certified lead removal professional for a professional inspection. DIY kits produce a rapid result, but they only test a single sample, so the extent of contamination remains unknown.
While they offer limited information, DIY tests can be used to confirm the presence of lead so you can schedule a professional inspection to determine the extent and begin the removal process.
Practical Solutions and Ongoing Safety
Once contamination is confirmed, there are several ways to reduce exposure safely. At Xtract, we commonly employ methods such as soil replacement or capping, in which contaminated soil is covered to prevent direct contact. Barrier solutions like mulch, grass, or other ground cover can significantly reduce risk for children and pets as well. Professional remediation remains the most effective way to address lead contamination.
Reliable Lead Abatement Services
Lead in soil around older properties is a hidden danger that needs fast and effective remediation. Identifying contamination early, testing thoroughly, and implementing professional solutions are the only ways to ensure safety and peace of mind. Xtract Environmental Services specializes in lead soil testing, risk assessment, and cleanup solutions designed specifically to your property’s unique nuances. Call us today to book an assessment!