Lead paint testing

What this covers

Lead was common in paint on older homes, often under newer coats, so testing looks through every layer. A qualified tester uses a handheld XRF analyzer that reads lead in the paint on a surface without removing it, working room by room through windows, doors, trim, walls and exterior surfaces. Where a lab result is wanted, the tester takes a small paint chip sample with containment or wipes a measured area for dust. The report lists each surface tested, its location and its result, which tells the painter or contractor where lead-safe work practices apply.

When to call

• Painting, window replacement or renovation planned in an older home.
• Peeling, chipping or alligatored paint on trim, windows or porches.
• Fire or water damage to older painted surfaces that will be repaired.
• Lead-safe work finished and clearance dust wipes wanted.

What to expect

1. PlanThe tester agrees which rooms and surfaces to cover, inside and out.
2. Read surfacesEach surface is read with the XRF analyzer and recorded by location.
3. SamplePaint chips or dust wipes are taken where a lab result is wanted.
4. ReportThe results are listed surface by surface, with the lab results attached.