Lead Based Paint Inspections and Surveys

Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental disease. Over time, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in conjunction with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has continuously created more stringent rules and guidelines in connection with the presence of lead based paint in residential buildings and single family homes prior to 1978. The purpose of the lead based paint inspection is to provide information regarding the presence of lead in accessible or exposed paint coatings and in dusts and indoor air. The survey is conducted to quantify materials in anticipation of a lead abatement project. The information is used to assess the hazards from the presence of lead. Lead concentrations determined from laboratory testing can be reported as milligrams per square centimeter (mg/cm 2 ), percent by weight (%), or parts per million (ppm). A paint material is considered by the USEPA to contain lead if the concentration exceeds 1.0 mg/cm 2 , 0.5% by weight, or 5,000 ppm. Surfaces exhibiting levels higher than these concentrations may pose a health hazard and should be abated.

The scope of work for lead based paint surveys routinely includes the sampling of window sills, window moldings, and door jambs suspected to contain lead based paint coatings. These materials are selected due to the potential for exposure through ingestion by small children and also due to the potential for these materials to chip and contribute to lead coated particulate dusts. In addition, indoor carpets and remote or hidden, normally inaccessible, indoor areas are sampled for the presence of lead contaminated dusts. Information from these sampling areas assist in the hazard assessment for the presence of lead. The scope of work also may include indoor air sampling to measure the presence of lead in suspended invisible particulates.

Environmental Realty Services retains certifications as Lead Based Paint Inspector and Lead Based Paint Hazard Assessor and assists its clients to resolve outstanding lead based paint issues in residential buildings and single family homes constructed prior to 1978 as required by the USEPA and HUD.

Click Here to see Experience in Lead Based Paint