Lead Testing Lab

Phoenix, AZ, July 20, 2017

Recently, the Nogales International published a story about elevated levels of lead that were found in the soil around a youth center in Arizona. According to the report, soil tests conducted by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) have resulted in the agency calling for the removal of soil and backfill near the facility. The article states that the facility is located near the site of a former smelter.

There are many towns in the Southwest and other parts of the country with a mining history that face similar soil contamination issues. In these places, everyone can be at risk of lead poisoning if they are exposed to elevated levels of the toxic heavy metal, but young children are at especially high risk. This is due to their rapidly developing bodies and tendencies to put their hands and objects in their mouths. Fortunately, lead poisoning is entirely preventable when exposure risks are identified and removed or safely mitigated.

“When most people talk about lead poisoning hazards, they typically reference lead-based paints or in recent years, contaminated water,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “However, lead-contaminated soil is a major issue at old mine sites, smelters, foundries, industrial plants, recycling facilities, landfills and superfund sites across the nation. Children playing in the soil, tracking dirt indoors, and breathing lead-tainted dusts from these contaminated sites is a real health concern.”  

Those worried about the potential presence of lead, other heavy metals or chemical contaminants in soil can turn to EMSL Analytical, Inc. for answers. EMSL offers comprehensive and affordable testing solutions and all of the sampling supplies necessary. They have even sponsored an educational video about possible signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in children that can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HprCSwxWl0k.

To learn more about lead or other environmental, indoor air quality, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.