Lead can be found in various parts of the environment, including air, water, homes, and soil. However, little lead testing has been conducted in Yellowstone County, which makes the risk of lead in the soil uncertain. To address this issue, RiverStone Health has partnered with Gainan’s Heights Flowers and Garden to offer free soil testing for lead.
The state provided a grant to RiverStone Health to focus on childhood lead poisoning prevention. Soil is a common exposure for children who can experience growth and developmental issues even from small amounts of lead while larger amounts can damage the brain. The free soil testing event on Saturday is a quick and easy way for people to ensure that the soil they are growing food in or where their children play is safe. The X-ray machine provided by the state will check the soil in real-time and complete the process within 5 to 10 minutes.
Melissa Henderson, director of health promotion at RiverStone Health, emphasizes that the risks of lead poisoning have long-lasting effects on individuals. Cynthia Jessee plans to have different sections of the soil tested at Gainan’s Heights Flowers and Garden before starting her vegetable garden. Gardening is her therapy, and she recognizes the importance of understanding the top 6 inches of soil that support global agriculture. Individuals can bring up to five bags of dry, debris-free soil in separate clean plastic bags for testing during the event from 9 a.m until noon at Gainan’s Heights Flowers and Garden.
