New Lower Screening Levels for Lead in Contaminated Soil and Resources to Protect Children and Families in Puerto Rico

In January, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it was lowering recommended screening levels and strengthening guidance for investigating and cleaning up lead-contaminated soil in residential areas where children live and play. As a result of the lower screening levels, EPA also declared it expects to investigate more residential properties for potential cleanup under the Superfund law and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

EPA is changing the screening level for lead in soil at residential properties from 400 parts per million (ppm) to 200 ppm. At residential properties with multiple sources of lead exposure, EPA says it will generally use 100 ppm as the screening level.

According to the EPA announcement:
Screening levels are not cleanup standards. While this update will help EPA site teams make site-specific cleanup decisions to protect nearby communities, EPA makes cleanup decisions specific to each site, using site-specific factors, including risk factors and community input that can vary from site to site.

“These changes to the recommended screening levels are the first in 30 years and are good news for residents of Puerto Rico and the rest of the nation,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Even at low level exposure, lead may cause a range of health effects that could include behavioral problems and learning disabilities, high blood pressure, kidney problems and other health issues. Mitigating exposure risks is key to preventing lead poisoning.”

For over two decades, the lead experts at Zimmetry Environmental have been helping residents, institutions and businesses in Puerto Rico identify lead exposure risks from soil, paints, water, dust and other sources. Their environmental and industrial hygiene professionals work to protect families, workers and building occupants from lead, asbestos and other regulated substances. These services are also essential for keeping businesses and institutions in compliance with existing environmental, health and safety regulations.

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their industrial hygiene, environmental, compliance and consulting resources, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .

About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals, and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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