The prevalence of leaded paint and gasoline, along with lead emissions from industrial and agricultural wastes, have left a legacy of lead-contaminated soils in many parts of the U.S. During the past two decades, bans on leaded gasoline and paint, and decline in its use in pipes, solder, and food canning have substantially reduced expo0sures, but risks still remain form lead-laden soils, especially in urban environments where aging buildings and industries are often concentrated. To better inform citizens and the scientific community about risk-reduction techniques for lead-contaminated soils, NRMRL has published a new booklet, Providing Solutions for a Better Tomorrow: Reducing the Risks Associated with Lead in Soil (EPA/600/F-01/014). This EPA publication is available in two formats. It can be accessed electronically on the publications page of the Office of Research and Development’s website:

Http://ww.epa.gov/ORD/publicaitons/ordpubs.html and is also available in print by calling 1-800-490-9198.

Lead can enter the body through inhalation or ingestion, but the physiological effects are the same: damage to the nervous system and blood cells, and in pregnancy, impaired fetal development of teeth and bones, kidney damage, and anemia. Lead also affects the metabolic processes of vitamin D and calcium. Children are at higher risk than adults, not only because their bodies are growing and developing, but also because they have been contaminated by lead dust. Simple precautions can be taken in households; children’s toys should be cleaned after outdoor use. Floors, window sills, and other surfaces should be cleaned regularly, and careful hand washing should be strongly encouraged after outdoor play.

While these good housekeeping practices can help reduce risks on the home front, NRMRL scientists are researching effective methods for treating or removing lead from Superfund sites. For site-remediation professionals, the treatment of choice has typically been removal and off-site disposal. Recently, NRMRL researchers have demonstrated that by adding phosphorus to lead-contaminated soil, lead can be bound into a stable compound called pyromorphite that reduces lead to below-toxic levels. This on-site inactivation technology has captured the interest of industry and remediation researchers because it is less disruptive than removal and disposal, and far less costly (thousand of dollars rather than millions per acre foot).

By continuing to research assessment and remediation tools, while working with health agencies, community decision-makers, and environmental specialists throughout the U.S., NRMRL researchers are helping to provide a safer, lead-free environment. (Contact: Jim Ryan, 513-569-7653 or ryan.Jim@epa.gov).