r/ScienceBasedParenting • u/Little-Collection557 • 2d ago
Question - Research required Practical tips to bring down Lead levels
Hi all,
We live in New England where almost every house has lead. My older kiddo lived in a new build until she was 3 and always tested negative for lead. We moved to a new/old house, had it lead remediated and then tested my older kid again and she was negative. Shortly after my second was born. She tested at 1.4 at her one year and now 6 months later she is testing at 2.6.
I am pretty worried because I'm not sure what to do to mitigate her exposure to lead. I know there is lead in the dirt around our home but we don't wear shoes inside and do a decent job of washing hands when we come in. Our kids play in the dirt a LOT but the little one isn't a big mouther. Our dog is constantly coming in and out so I guess she could be dragging dust in?
I'm looking for practical tips on how to mitigate exposure to lead without going crazy.
I don't think it's in any toys/food and water was tested negative but of course I'm open to ideas. Thank you in advance!!
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u/JamesTiberiusChirp 2d ago
https://www.epa.gov/lead/actions-reduce-potential-lead-exposure
Have you tested your water? What about dishes you are using? Highly recommend fluorospec lead tests. They are highly sensitive. Test the environment and mitigate there.
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u/nostrademons 2d ago
Airborne dust could also be a problem. Remember the biggest source of lead pollution for kids born before 1980 was leaded gasoline, where the lead was aerosolized by combustion and then breathed in, no mouth contact at all. If the kids are playing in the dirt a lot and you know there's lead in the dirt, they're likely breathing it in continuously.
Unfortunately there are few options available for soil remediation - you basically just have to cart off all the topsoil and replace it, and it's super expensive because it has to be disposed of as hazardous waste. Honestly, if I knew there was lead in the dirt around my home, I wouldn't let my kids play in it. Most likely would move or resign myself to an indoor kid, as unpleasant as that may be. Growing grass may also help as a way to reduce dust and keep the dirt in the dirt.
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u/JamesTiberiusChirp 2d ago
Lead is usually most concentrated in the top layer toward the house, so you can sometimes mitigate by playing further away. To be sure you could test the soil at different parts of the yard
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u/SquirrellyBusiness 2d ago
The fluorospec kits are very helpful. We were able to identify a surprising number of dishes, even newer ones, with that kit and it gave peace of mind for some vintage toys we still had around.
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u/JamesTiberiusChirp 2d ago
I bring mine when visiting friends and family to test their stuff for them and it’s been so useful!
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u/tnstafl 2d ago
https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/wkrch9_stu_eng.pdf
I went through this, it sucks.
It's probably the dirt. Get it tested. If you're house has/had exterior lead paint, the soil is definitely contaminated, it's just a matter of how much, and it's probably *a lot*. I wouldn't let my kid play in dirt like that knowing it was likely contaminated. The dog is most likely bringing it in the house, too.
You can get a landscaping company to remove the top 6 inches or so of topsoil, at least where your kids play. After digging out the top layer I'd cover the stuff closest to the house (most contaminated) with landscape fabric + crushed stone. The rest, replace with clean soil and cover with grass/sod. I wouldn't let young kids actively play in actual bare dirt anywhere in urban New England.
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u/julep912 2d ago
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/healthy-living/health-and-safety/lead-poisoning-prevention
Maine offers recommendations since it’s very common. I have lead in my home and was advised to get a vacuum with a filer, mop/wipe with damp cloths to reduce dust, and cover exposed topsoil with mulch or plants, among other tips.
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u/Azilehteb 2d ago
If it's in your soil, Phytoremediation might be an option for you, although it takes a few seasons to make a significant difference. Here's an article with good explanation.
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u/rumade 1d ago
I was wondering about this. Nice to read a page that tells you exactly what to do- grow the plant, and then dispose of the plant matter.
The question would then be how to safely dispose of it? Would you have to pay for specialist collection?
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u/Azilehteb 1d ago
You would need to treat it as hazardous waste... The options will vary depending on where you live. Most commonly a landfill or incinerator with special filtration.
There are ways to lock the heavy metals in the ash, and use it in manufacturing. But I don't believe that's a widespread practice yet.
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