Locating
Sources of Lead

Home Survey
Students can check for possible lead sources in their home environment. They should investigate the following:

When was their home built?

Are the interior walls painted or covered with wallpaper or paneling?

Is the exterior painted, sided with vinyl or aluminum or covered with masonry? If it was painted prior to 1978, there is a possibility that lead-based paint was used on both the interior and exterior. If the house is really old, there is a possibility of lead plumbing or lead solder on pipe joints.

If the house has paint inside and/or outside, what is the condition of the paint - cracked and peeling, flaking off? Lead particles from paint can become airborne in dust or leach into soil.

Testing of water and soil can be done by professionals or by home tests. Information on both can be found through the local county extension office. Contacting the extension office could be a step in the survey.

School chemistry teachers can also be a source for lead tests. A recent school chemistry catalog lists instant lead tests that use a wipe that turns pink in the presence of lead, as well as other tests that require more steps. The instant test might be good for spot tests around the school, for example.

A soil test (available from the larger nursery stores) can be used for comparisons. Soil close to the "drip line" of a house (where rain runs off the house to the ground) and soil next to a street or highway may likely show elevated levels of lead.

Stormwater and Sewer Treatment
Most municipal water treatment plants allow tours by school groups. This is an excellent way for students to learn about removing lead, as well as other impurities, from stormwater runoff and sewer water.

Watering Camden Yards | Thorton Creek Watershed | Stormwater Management
The Cactus Playa | Living Unleaded | Wildlife & Lead Poisoning

Last Updated: 02/16/03
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