What is the lead soil clearance value for non-contact areas?

What is the lead soil clearance value for non-contact areas?

• A. 400 ppm
• B. 800 ppm
• C. 1200 ppm
• D. 600 ppm

Answer: (C)

Soil clearance values distinguish where people are likely to touch soil from where contact is minimal, and they set different safe thresholds accordingly. In areas that aren’t typically contacted by people, the risk from lead exposure is lower, so the clearance value is higher. For non-contact areas, the accepted soil lead concentration after remediation is 1200 ppm, meaning soil testing at or below that level meets the clearance criterion. This contrasts with play areas where children are more exposed through direct contact and dust ingestion, which require a stricter limit like 400 ppm. Therefore, 1200 ppm is the correct clearance value for non-contact areas.

Soil clearance values distinguish where people are likely to touch soil from where contact is minimal, and they set different safe thresholds accordingly. In areas that aren’t typically contacted by people, the risk from lead exposure is lower, so the clearance value is higher. For non-contact areas, the accepted soil lead concentration after remediation is 1200 ppm, meaning soil testing at or below that level meets the clearance criterion. This contrasts with play areas where children are more exposed through direct contact and dust ingestion, which require a stricter limit like 400 ppm. Therefore, 1200 ppm is the correct clearance value for non-contact areas.