SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Two state agencies are partnering with the Enos Park Neighborhood Garden for a free lead screening event on Saturday, May 11. The quick process will screen soil samples while residents wait on-site.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) will be performing the screening. The agencies say soil is one potential source of lead exposure, which can lead to developmental delays and other health challenges, especially in children. Screening can detect the presence of lead in the soil, allowing residents to take steps to alleviate the issue and prevent the risk of further exposure.
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Soil testing is particularly important for older neighborhoods and in areas where kids or pets come into direct contact with the soil.
The free soil testing event will be held May 11, from 9 to 11am, at the Enos Park Neighborhood Garden, 1022 N. 5th Street in Springfield. Soil can be checked onsite while you wait, and the process only takes a few minutes. Participants may bring up to two samples to be screened.
For successful soil collection and testing:
- Choose a location at least 5 feet away from a house or road.
- Collect soil from 5-10 random spots in your selected area. For gardens, collect soil from the top 6 inches of soil. For other areas, collect soil from the top 2 inches of soil.
- Combine soil in a clean container and mix well.
- Remove rocks, twigs, and roots, then air dry. Do not apply heat!
- Transfer 1-2 cups of mixed soil into a clean 1-quart zip top plastic bag. Label the bag with the location where the soil was collected.
For more information, visit this page from IDPH.
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