The US EPA identified bare soil hazards in areas not frequently contacted by children as what size or greater?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established specific criteria for identifying bare soil hazards related to lead exposure. According to the EPA, areas of bare soil that are 9 square feet or greater can pose a significant risk, even if those areas are not frequently accessed by children. This threshold is based on research that shows that larger areas of bare soil can accumulate lead particles, which children might inadvertently ingest or come into contact with, leading to exposure.

In assessing risks associated with lead, the EPA is particularly concerned about the potential for long-term health effects, as lead can have severe developmental impacts on children. Therefore, even in areas that may not seem directly accessible, the size of the bare soil patch is crucial in determining whether it presents a potential hazard. This emphasis on the 9 square feet criterion ensures that reasonable precautions can be evaluated and taken to mitigate exposure risks in any environment where lead-based paint and soil contamination might be present.