Contamination of soil with lead has occurred on a global scale. Exposure to lead may cause adverse effects to human health and the environment. It is therefore desirable to obtain a quantitative estimate of the potential risk of lead contamination. Numerous studies have been conducted collecting lead concentration data from both natural and contaminated soil on a range of scales. Very few of these studies have made serious attempts to spatially describe the data. In order to identify contaminated land and to enable development of appropriate environmental guidelines, it is essential to have an understanding of the universal range of lead concentrations. Such data also assists in assessing any potential risk to the environment or human health. This paper reviews the multitude of data collected on soil Pb concentrations. Lead surveys are discussed on the basis of land use, with Australian data presented separately. Data from lead surveys of agricultural, urban and industrial areas, as well as nationwide surveys are summarised. A small but increasing number of studies have employed spatial prediction techniques such as kriging to map the distribution of lead concentrations in soil. These studies are also summarised and a brief description of the basis for their use presented. Finally, environmental and health risk assessment is discussed and some methodologies in use around the world reviewed.