Lead Poisoning Prevention program hosts soil test clinic at Erwin Craighead Elementary School 3-27-26

March 27, 2026

Lead Poisoning Prevention program hosts soil test clinic at Erwin Craighead Elementary School

MOBILE, Ala. — The Lead Poisoning Prevention Program with the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) continued their partnership with Erwin Craighead Elementary School during National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) which is observed annually during the third full week of March (March 15-21 in 2026) by conducting the first soil test clinic of 2026.

The soil test clinic is designed to educate students on the dangers of lead in their environments, where lead can be commonly found, and how to stay safe. Lead exposure continues to be problematic in Mobile County where there are many historic and older homes built before 1978.

There are no safe levels of lead and lead exposure can lead to poisoning and other adverse health outcomes in both children and adults. To keep families safe, the MCHD Lead Poisoning Prevention Program reminds everyone of the importance of elevated blood lead level (EBLL) tests which are administered through their healthcare providers. Children ages 0-3 are the most vulnerable population, and a blood test is the only way to know your child’s blood lead level.

The soil test clinic featured eleven students from the school’s after-school program, who brought in soil samples from around the outside of their homes. Through a continuing collaboration with the University of South Alabama’s Department of Earth Sciences, students had the opportunity to test their soil with Dr. Ben Linzmeier who is a professor with the department.

Using the XRF Analyzer machine (a portable device used for non-destructive, rapid elemental analysis of material identification from magnesium to uranium), Dr. Linzmeier instructed the students on how to start the testing, and once testing began, the students would watch in real time as the machine calculated the particles within their samples. The students also enjoyed the PowerPoint presentation from Anthony Widner, Lead Program Outreach Educator.

Making education on the dangers of lead interactive and fun is a great way to keep students engaged, aware, and knowledgeable of their environments. It is the goal of the program to help Keep Alabama’s Kids and especially children living in Mobile County Lead Free.