Lead in the Soil

How does lead get into our soil? The most common source of lead that contaminates soil is lead paint from the exterior of buildings and houses. Also, the toxic fumes emitted from cars and trucks during the decades when leaded gasoline was used have seeped into the ground.

Old playground equipment can also be a source of contaminated soil, as lead paint chips off the weathered jungle-gyms. This is a place where parents should be especially mindful of lead hazards, as children not only come into contact with the contaminated soil, but they are also playing directly with the source of the lead (the playground equipment).

There are several other ways that lead can get into soil. Old farm equipment or old cars that have been left outside for years at a time unattended and unused may be leeching lead into the dirt. Sometimes rain gutters have been painted with lead paint that then leeches lead into the water that is then poured into the ground surrounding the house.

How can I avoid letting lead in soil come into my home? One of the best ways of avoiding getting poisoned by lead soil is keeping it out of your home. Get a welcome mat and place it on the outside entrance of your home or apartment so that people can wipe their shoes off before entering the house.