For soil lead concentrations above 5000 ppm where children are playing, which abatement methods are specified?

For soil lead concentrations above 5000 ppm where children are playing, which abatement methods are specified?

• A. Soil removal
• B. Containing soil
• C. Both soil removal and containment
• D. Do nothing

Answer: (C)

When soil lead levels in areas where children play are this high (above 5,000 ppm), the goal is to reduce exposure by actively addressing the contaminated soil. Two approaches are specified because they both effectively lower risk: removal physically eliminates the source of lead by excavating the contaminated soil and replacing it with clean soil or another safe surface; containment reduces exposure by applying a barrier—such as a clean soil cap, pavement, or another hard surface—over or around the contaminated soil to prevent direct contact or dust formation. Either method is appropriate depending on site conditions and feasibility, whereas doing nothing would leave children at ongoing risk.

When soil lead levels in areas where children play are this high (above 5,000 ppm), the goal is to reduce exposure by actively addressing the contaminated soil. Two approaches are specified because they both effectively lower risk: removal physically eliminates the source of lead by excavating the contaminated soil and replacing it with clean soil or another safe surface; containment reduces exposure by applying a barrier—such as a clean soil cap, pavement, or another hard surface—over or around the contaminated soil to prevent direct contact or dust formation. Either method is appropriate depending on site conditions and feasibility, whereas doing nothing would leave children at ongoing risk.