Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning, and they can be exposed to lead from a variety of sources–although lead-based paint is perhaps the most well-known. However, a USA Today story published earlier this year was a reminder that lead-contaminated soil surrounding old factories poses a significant health risk as well. Many of the factories spotlighted in the article were shut down in the 1960s and 1970s, but were since abandoned. Additionally, soil contamination can be caused from years of leaded gasoline leakage. These sources harm children when they ingest lead particles by placing toys or hands in their mouths after being exposed to the contamination.
 
Scientists from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that even a small amount of exposure to lead can reduce IQ and increase risk for attention disorders and other health issues in children.

'EMSL Analytical, one of the nation's largest commercial laboratories, can help determine whether lead levels are within permissible limits through our advanced metal testing services,' reported Shannon Kauffman, Metals Laboratory Supervisor at EMSL. 'We provide lead analysis for a wide variety of samples, including consumer products, food, soil, water, and air.'

For more information on EMSL's testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com, or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.