Lead can be found in all parts of the environment, including air, water, inside homes and in soil. Despite this, little lead testing has been conducted in Yellowstone County, making 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.
Melissa Henderson, the director of health promotion at RiverStone, explained that lead naturally occurs in soil in low amounts, with higher levels often found in communities with older homes built before 1978. RiverStone received a grant from the state health department to focus on childhood lead poisoning prevention because soil is a common exposure for children. Even small amounts of lead can cause growth and developmental issues in children while larger amounts can damage the brain.
To ensure safety during gardening season, people can attend a free soil testing event on Saturday hosted by RiverStone Health and Gainan’s Heights Flowers and Garden. The state will provide an X-ray machine that can check the soil in real-time, completing the process within 5 to 10 minutes. Cynthia Jessee plans to have different sections of her garden at Songbird Community Garden tested at the event to ensure safety as she begins her vegetable growing season. Gardening is her therapy and she recognizes the importance of having healthy topsoil that everyone relies on.
