Free soil testing in South Philly

Soil in Philadelphia may contain lead, which can cause serious health problems.

Collect soil from your yard or garden and bring it in for FREE testing by UPenn researchers. Results will be provided within minutes. No appointment necessary – come with your sample!

POSTPONED!  Due to rain, this event was rescheduled for Saturday, May 6 from 1-4pm
South Philly Peace Garden
2702 Wharton Street

How to Collect Soil

What you will need:

• Plastic bag
• Plastic spoon
• Permanent marker

Steps:

1. Choose a sampling location with bare soil.
2. Write your name, the date, and location (cross streets) on each plastic bag.
3. Imagine there is a large “X” on the bare ground, with each line of the X about 2 feet long. (If you prefer, you can lay down an X with two pieces of string.)
4. Using the plastic spoon, scoop up a small sample from the top half inch of soil at the center of the X and put it in the plastic bag.
5. In the same way, collect a soil sample at each corner of the X. When finished you will have 5 samples in the bag.
6. Repeat this at every location you have chosen.

Questions? Email: adrianlw@pennmedicine.upenn.edu