For the first time in 30 years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided to lower the recommended screening levels based on the latest data received. It aims to strengthen guidance for investigating and cleaning up lead-contaminated soil in residential areas.

The EPA reduces the screening level for lead in the soil from 400 parts per million (ppm) to 200 parts per million (ppm). Moreover, for residential properties with multiple lead exposure, the EPA will use a 100 ppm screening level.

Although screening levels are not clean-up standards, they will help the EPA in making site-specific clean-up decisions. With the updated soil lead guidance, the organization will be using site-specific risk factors along with community input that can vary from site to site.

With lower screening levels, the EPA expects to take up more investigations in residential properties. This will be done under the Superfund Law and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

This new change is brought in alignment with the Biden-Harris administration’s ongoing commitment to protect communities from lead poisoning. It is one of their environmental justice goals for overburdened communities facing lead exposure from various sources.

It is shocking as first evidence of microplastics found in archaeological soil samples – University of York and Hull.

Impact of Lead in Blood

In children, the safe blood lead level is unknown, but lead can severely harm physical and mental development in children and infants. It damages the brain and slows down learning capabilities in kids. Adults can suffer from heart diseases, increased blood pressure, cancer, and decreased kidney functions.

Sources of Lead Exposure

There are multiple sources of lead exposure, including lead in soil, in drinking water, and from lead-based paints.

By updating the residential soil lead guidance as EPA lowered screening levels for lead in soil, they achieved a significant milestone. They issued a Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities for an overall conversion aligning with the Federal Lead Action Plan.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said, “Every family and child, regardless of their ZIP code, deserves to live without worrying about the lifelong health effects from exposure to lead pollution. Today’s action ensures that EPA uses the latest, best available science to protect children living and playing near sites contaminated by lead in soil.”

Source: EPA to Protect from Lead in Contaminated Soil at Residential Sites in Region 7

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Elliot is a passionate environmentalist and blogger who has dedicated his life to spreading awareness about conservation, green energy, and renewable energy. With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference.

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