Environmental lead sampling methods

Taking soil, dust and paint samples can help environmental and public health practitioners identify if contaminated soil, dust, or lead-based paint is a potential lead exposure pathway. Outcomes can be used to educate property owners about lead exposure risks around the property and encourage them to take precautions.

The sampling videos show consistent methods for obtaining environmental samples to measure lead content. Samples should be submitted to a laboratory accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities for analysis of lead content.

Soil sampling

Soil samples are taken from an area of bare soil to determine if it contains lead levels above the relevant guidance values and is a potential lead exposure pathway.

Surface dust sampling

Dust samples are taken from a surface to determine if it contains lead levels above the relevant guidance values and is a potential lead exposure pathway.

Paint sampling

Paint samples are taken from a surface with deteriorating paint to determine if lead-based paint is present. A paint sample may be required from paint in good condition prior to renovations to determine whether lead-aware precautions are needed. Damaging lead-based paint can increase lead exposure risk and appropriate precautions should be taken. More information on testing for lead-based paint can be found on the Testing for lead-based paint page.

Further information

For additional information, including information on guidance values, contact SA Health's Scientific Services on (08) 8226 7100.