Testing for Lead in Homes

Any home built before 1978 probably has lead-based paint. The presence of lead in a house or apartment does not always mean that the lead is hazardous to people. Intact, well-maintained surfaces may not be a hazard. In homes built before 1978, it is likely that damaged surfaces are hazardous, especially to children. The only way to know for sure whether the paint is hazardous is to test the home for lead.

A home built before 1978 should be tested for lead when:

  1. There are or will be children age six years or younger in the home.
  2. A home is about to be remodeled, renovated, or repainted.
  3. A home is being rented or sold. Federal laws require that landlords or sellers inform renters or buyers of anyknown sources of lead or lead hazards in the home.

Lead Inspection

In a lead inspection, all painted surfaces on the inside and outside of the building are sampled and tested. A lead-based paint survey is very useful to people who are planning to repaint or remodel.

The inspector provides a report that indicates which surfaces contain lead. The report does not tell whether any of these surfaces are hazardous to the people living in the home.

Risk Assessment

A risk assessment is the only way to know for sure if there is a hazard from lead-based paint. It also tells the type of hazard and the seriousness of the hazard. A risk assessment includes:

  • An inspection to find out where the damaged surfaces are and the causes of the damages,
  • testing of places where children may have chewed or licked (e.g., window sills),
  • testing of dust from floors and windows,
  • testing of bare soil from children's play areas or lawn and gardens.

A risk assessment report tells where the lead hazards are. The report also tells how to reduce or control any lead hazards.

Lead Hazard Screen

A lead hazard screen is a limited version of a risk assessment. It includes:

  • tests of surfaces that look damaged,
  • tests of dust samples from floors and windows,
  • tests of soil samples, only if there appear to be paint chips in the soil.

A lead hazard screen report usually finds that either:

  • there are no hazards from lead-based paint or finish, or
  • a full risk assessment is needed to know for sure if there are hazards.

A lead hazard screen is usually recommended for homes with painted or finished surfaces that are in generally good condition, and with little visible dust.

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