Lead Testing Services

Lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause a range of health problems. Even very small amounts of lead can lead to serious health issues. Children under six years old are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect their mental and physical development. At high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. When it comes to lead, don't procrastinate; lead testing is crucial.

If your home or building was constructed prior to 1978, it likely contains some lead-based paint (LBP) or lead-containing building materials. It is vital to have a lead based paint inspection if peeling or damaged paint is identified, especially before purchasing a home or building and prior to conducting any renovation or remodeling activities that disturb LBP or lead-containing materials. If the home or building is child-occupied, it is critical to identify and quantify LBP risks, as this may be required by law.

Our experienced professionals are certified to conduct lead based paint inspections, lead risk assessments, and lead clearance inspections.

A lead based paint inspection must be carried out by an EPA Certified Lead Inspector or Assessor, using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis and paint chip sampling when necessary. Following EPA and HUD inspection guidelines, a lead based paint inspection is a surface-by-surface investigation to determine the presence of LBP, resulting in a report that explains the findings.

A lead risk assessment, also conducted by an EPA Certified Lead Inspector or Assessor, evaluates the risks of lead in a particular building, including the condition of LBP (such as peeling, flaking, or cracking paint), the presence of lead dust inside living areas, and lead in drinking water and soil.

A lead clearance inspection is essential for any renovation or remodeling projects that involve disturbing LBP and must be conducted by an EPA Certified Risk Assessor or EPA Lead Inspector. This inspection combines a visual assessment with lead wipe evaluations to ensure that lead dust levels are safe and below EPA mandated levels.

Lead based paint (LBP) is the most recognizable lead hazard in residential and commercial buildings, especially in those constructed prior to 1978. Deteriorated LBP can mix with household dust and soil, creating an unsafe environment. Lead contamination may also occur when painted LBP surfaces are sanded or disturbed during renovation and remodeling activities.

An EPA certified renovation, repair, and paint (RRP) contractor can help mitigate the risks of lead contamination by implementing lead safe work practices. Children can become lead poisoned by putting their hands or other lead-contaminated objects in their mouths, eating paint chips from homes with peeling or flaking LBP, or playing in lead-contaminated soil.

Less recognizable, yet common, lead-containing materials include lead-glazed ceramic tiles found in bathroom shower stalls and kitchen countertops. When these tiles are broken or crushed during demolition, hazardous lead dust is produced. Additionally, lead in drinking water can result from the corrosion of materials containing lead in household or building plumbing systems.

Contact us when you need professional lead testing and results.