Lead in soil
IRIS Environmental Laboratories · 1 min read
When to test soil for lead, the EPA limits for play areas and other bare soil, and how it differs from TCLP disposal testing.
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Lead in soil testing measures lead in residential and commercial soil, to assess exposure risk.
When to test
- Pre-construction screening
- Remediation, and post-remediation verification
- Play areas
- Bare soil near older structures, especially pre-1978
- NJDEP Site Remediation Program (SRP) compliance
- HUD clearance sampling
The limits
| Area | EPA soil limit |
|---|---|
| Play areas | 400 mg/kg |
| Elsewhere (non-play) | 1,200 mg/kg |
Method and accreditation
Soil is analysed by ICP under SW-846 3050 / 3051A. Lead in soil is within IRIS's AIHA-LAP ELLAP 173498 scope, and IRIS is EPA NLLAP recognised.
Not the same as TCLP
Lead in soil tells you about exposure risk. TCLP / RCRA 8 is a disposal test: it tells you whether soil or waste is hazardous by how much lead and other metals leach out. Soil going for disposal is characterised by TCLP wherever RCRA applies, and the TCLP limit for lead is 5.0 mg/L (D008).
Getting it done
- Tell the lab your site type and regulatory requirement. They confirm the method, turnaround and cost in one reply.
- IRIS coordinates field sampling, or sends a self-collection kit with pre-labelled containers and a COC form.
- Complete the COC for each sample.
- Drop off at 2333 US-22 West, Union, NJ, Monday to Friday before 4 PM ET, or ship overnight with the COC inside the package.
Start the lead COC, or download the lead paint, wipe and soil COC (PDF).
Lead
Dust wipes, paint chips, soil and air. EPA / AIHA.
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