Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

What is the EPA's soil clearance/hazard level for play areas or vegetable gardens?

1. 800 ppm

2. 1,200 ppm

3. 1,500 ppm

4. 1,000 ppm

The correct answer is: 1,200 ppm

The correct answer is 1,200 ppm because this level is established by the EPA as a guideline for acceptable lead concentrations in soil used for play areas and vegetable gardens. The determination of this threshold takes into consideration the potential for children to directly ingest lead-contaminated soil through hand-to-mouth contact or when playing in these areas. This value is essential for assessing risks associated with lead exposure, particularly in settings where children are expected to spend significant amounts of time engaging in activities close to soil. By designating 1,200 ppm as the limit, the EPA aims to mitigate health risks while also providing a clear, quantifiable standard for risk assessors and environmental professionals when evaluating the safety of soil in recreational and agricultural contexts.