Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Is There Lead in Your Soil?
Bring a soil sample to the Greeley Farmer's Market to find out!
When: Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 9am - 12pm
Where: Zoe's Cafe & Events | 715 10th St., Greeley, Colorado
Why: Lead is a metal that may be present in soil from old degraded paint, the historical use of leaded gasoline, or other industrial sources. Lead-contaminated soil is a common source of lead poisoning, which is especially harmful to young children.
How: Follow the instructions, below, to collect a sample from your yard. It's a quick test with immediate results!
How to Collect a Soil Sample
Step 1: Identify an area of interest for your soil sample.
Step 2: Collect soil. For a large area, collect soil from 5-10 random spots in that area and combine them in a clean container. For a small area, collect soil from 3 random spots and combine them in a clean container. See table below for sampling depth per spot.
Step 3: Mix soil well in clean container.
Step 4: Remove pebbles, rocks, roots, then let soil air dry. SOIL MUST BE DRY FOR TESTING. Do not use a flame, oven, or hairdryer to dry the soil.
Step 5: Transfer 1-2 cups of mixed soil into a clean one-quart Ziplock bag.
For more than one sample, repeat steps 1-5. Rinse out your container between samples. LIMIT OF 3 SAMPLES BAGS/PERSON.
| Area of Interest |
Sampling Depth for Each Random Spot |
| Garden Area |
Collect all soil from the surface down to 6-8 inches deep. |
| Play Area or Non-Garden Area |
Collect all soil from the surface down to 1-2 inches deep. |
Call 970-400-2225 or email ctheisen@weld.gov with questions.
What is lead?
Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead also can be emitted into the air from motor vehicles and industrial sources, and lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities to seizures and death. Children six years old and younger are most at risk.
Most common sources of lead poisoning:
- Deteriorating lead-based paint
- Lead-contaminated dust
- Lead-contaminated residential soil
Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.
Lead Investigation and Analysis
Environmental Health Services staff conduct investigations of homes to identify potential sources of lead poisoning involving children with an elevated blood lead level. Referrals can be made by calling 970-400-6415.
Resources for Contractors