Abstract: Environmental criteria are the scientific basis for the revision of environmental standards, quality assessment, risk control, emergency accident management and the whole management system. They are also the foundation for national environment protection and management. The research status and main technical points of environmental criteria on heavy metal lead in soil at home and abroad were comprehensively analyzed from three aspects, human health, ecological safety and agricultural products safety. Possible key issues in its future development in China are further prospected so as to provide reference for the study of relevant environmental criteria in China.