Lead can accumulate in residential soil from several historical sources.
One common source is deterioration, scraping, sanding, or removal of lead-containing exterior paint. Paint chips and dust can accumulate in soil around the perimeter of older buildings.
Other potential sources include historical vehicle emissions from leaded gasoline, industrial emissions, contaminated fill material, previous site activities, and other historical uses of lead.
Because lead does not readily break down in the environment, contamination from decades ago can remain in soil today.
Laboratory testing is necessary to determine the actual lead concentration and whether additional evaluation or management is appropriate.