Arkansas Department of Health to provide free soil testing in Hot Springs

Little Rock, Ark. - The Arkansas Department of Health is partnering with the Master Gardeners of Garland County, Child Care Aware®, and National Park College to host two soilSHOPs (Soil Screening, Health, Outreach, and Partnership). The soilSHOPs will be held at National Park College on Wednesday, April 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the Garland County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The purpose of soilSHOP is to raise awareness of environmental hazards in soil, such as lead, and to share information on how to avoid exposure while gardening or playing in your yard. Free lead screening is available (up to three soil samples per person), along with health education on soil-related environmental hazards.

When collecting samples, start by placing soil in a clean container. For small areas such as a small garden bed, collect soil from three different spots. For larger areas like a yard or a large garden, collect soil from at least five to 10 different spots.

Directions for sampling depth:

• Garden areas: Collect soil from the soil surface down to a depth of 6-8 inches.
• Play areas (non-garden): Collect soil from the surface down to a depth of 1-2 inches.

Combine and mix the soil well. Remove any rocks, pebbles, or roots. Let the soil air-dry only-do not use an oven or any other heat source. Once the soil is dry, place it in a clean, one-quart resealable plastic bag and double-bag the sample. Write the following information on an index card, place the card in a separate small bag, and include it inside the soil bag:

• Date
• Email address
• ZIP code where the sample was collected
• Soil type (garden, play area, or other)

Soil lead screening results will be emailed to the email address indicated on the soil bag.

This event is made possible through partnerships with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6.

For more information, email [email protected].

Click here to view this press release in Spanish.