Lead-Based Paint Analysis

Finding lead-based paint in your home is more common than you'd think. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines lead-based paint as paint containing greater than 5,000 parts per million lead. Lead is like many poisonous substances; it can go unseen until someone is showing health problems. There are especially concerns with children and lead-based paints. These paints can have a sweet taste which, of course, makes children want to eat it.

Protect your family from exposure to lead-based paint.

Determine if you’re at risk of lead poisoning by answering this list of questions from the EPA:

• Was your home built before 1978?
  • If a structure was built prior to 1978, then it’s likely to have lead-based paint.
• Is there chipping or peeling paint on the walls, furniture, or window sills?
  • Harmful lead dust is created whenever lead-based surfaces wear away over time, causing it to chip and crack. It's unsafe when it starts to chip. It's important that you contact a certified professional to get your home tested.
• Does your job involve working with lead?
  • Many jobs involve being exposed to lead. If you work as a painter, ironworker, construction worker, firearms instructor, stained glass artist, metal shop worker, stained glass artist, automobile radiator repair mechanic, and other related jobs then you should take precautions when entering into your home. Change your work clothes before entering your home and make sure to take off your shoes so lead can’t be tracked indoors.

The EPA recognizes the dangers of lead exposure and requires special training through their Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule). The rule requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 have their firm certified by EPA, use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers, and follow lead-safe work practices.

Do you think your home contains lead-based paint?

If you have concerns regarding your home and potential lead-based paint issues, you should contact a certified consultant or lead inspector. The consultant will submit samples to our certified laboratory for analysis. Call PEL Laboratories today at (877)-220-3528 to discuss how to submit a sample you’re concerned may contain lead and what steps you should take for precaution.