How to Determine if Lead-Based Paint is Present

Knowing how to determine if lead-based paint is present should be a staple for any renovation supervisor. Understanding the toxic effects of lead based paint is critical for anyone associated with renovations in old houses.  With lead being found on or in houses built as late as 1990.  Testing for lead on any surface that will be renovated is required for any house built prior to 1978.  Recent studies suggest lead in any amount is toxic to the human body!  Our free safety article on how to determine if lead is present will give you the background information you need to properly test for lead based paint.

Lead-based paint can only be identified by testing paint and testing must be performed prior to renovation on all surfaces to be affected by the work, or you must presume the paint is lead-based. Any testing must be performed by the appropriate qualified professional.  Here is a quick guide for paint testing:

Type of Paint Testing for Renovations	Who can do the testing?
EPA-recognized test kits	Certified Renovators
X-Ray Fluorescence instruments	Certified lead-based paint inspectors or risk assessors
Paint chip sampling	Certified Renovators, Inspector or Risk Assessor

 

Results of testing only apply to the work if the surfaces covered by the renovation are covered by the testing report. A property owner may provide a report from a Certified Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor that proves no lead-based paint is present, in lieu of testing affected surfaces. If no testing result is available, test the paint or presume lead-based paint is present.

For more information on working in a lead-based paint, we recommend these posts from our blog:
Educating Customers About Lead Safety Procedures
2016 RRP Forms

We offer EPA Lead Renovator Initial and Refresher Training in 15 states.  Click here to register for a class or submit a quote request.