How Is Lead Contamination of Soil Remedied and Prevented?
Usually soil lead hazards are identified only when a case of lead poisoning is diagnosed. When soil lead concentrations are > 400 parts per million (ppm), the EPA recommends action be taken to limit human contact with the soil. This is called remediation or abatement. To remediate lead contamination, soil can be removed and buried; or it can be covered and capped with clean fill, grass, or shrubs. Lead-containing paint in good condition or out of reach of children is usually safe. Peeling paint can be covered by special chemicals. This is called encapsulation. New walls may even be built over walls with peeling lead paint. Hazardous paint can also be removed. All lead remediation must be performed by a trained professional. The area must be wetted down, dust control measures must be taken, and waste must be wrapped up and disposed of properly. The entire site must then be cleaned up with trisodiumphosphate (TSP). It is best to prevent contact with lead from the beginning. To do this, c
