Where in exterior soil areas should testing be conducted?

Testing in exterior soil areas should focus on where bare soil is present, including the dripline of the house, play areas, and vegetable gardens, because these locations are likely to be impacted by lead contamination. The dripline, where rainwater drains off the roof, can accumulate contaminants that have washed off surfaces. Play areas are significant since children are often in close contact with the soil, potentially ingesting lead particles. Vegetable gardens also pose a risk, as edible plants may uptake lead from the soil, posing health risks when consumed.

Conducting tests specifically in these zones is crucial for assessing the potential lead exposure pathways, as these areas are more frequently disturbed or accessed by children and may have historical lead sources, such as lead-based paint or older construction materials. Therefore, focusing testing efforts in these specified areas provides a more comprehensive assessment of lead risks in the environment.