Understanding Your Lead Paint Test Results

Types of Lead Testing

Lead testing measures contamination in different materials using specific units of measurement:

1. Dust Testing (μg/ft²)

Measures lead dust on surfaces, reported in micrograms per square foot (μg/ft²)

2. Paint Testing (ppm or mg/cm²)

Measures lead concentration in paint, reported in:

• Parts per million (ppm)
• Milligrams per square centimeter (mg/cm²)

3. Soil Testing (ppm)

Measures lead concentration in soil, reported in parts per million (ppm)

EPA Action Levels - When Action is Required

The Environmental Protection Agency has established action levels that trigger the need for remediation:

Reading Your Test Report

Sample Report Format

Your test report will include:

• Property Information: Address, inspection date, property age
• Inspector Details: Name, certification number, company
• Testing Areas: Room-by-room breakdown
• Sample Locations: Specific surfaces tested (floor, window sill, door, etc.)
• Test Results: Numerical values with units of measurement
• Pass/Fail Status: Comparison to EPA action levels
• Recommendations: Required actions if levels exceed standards

Example Results Interpretation

What Happens After Testing

If Results Are Below Action Levels

• ✓ Property receives lead clearance certification
• ✓ Certificate valid for 2 years (rental properties)
• ✓ Maintain painted surfaces in good condition
• ✓ Monitor for deterioration
• ✓ Retest at renewal period

If Results Exceed Action Levels

Remediation is legally required. Common methods include:

1. Encapsulation

• Sealing lead paint with specialized coatings
• Cost-effective for stable surfaces
• Requires regular maintenance
• Not suitable for surfaces subject to friction (doors, windows)

2. Enclosure

• Covering lead surfaces with new materials (drywall, paneling)
• More permanent than encapsulation
• Does not remove lead but isolates it
• Good for walls and ceilings

3. Removal/Replacement

• Complete removal of lead-painted components
• Most permanent solution
• Required for friction surfaces (windows, doors)
• Must be performed by licensed contractor
• Requires dust clearance testing after completion

Post-Remediation Testing

After remediation work is completed:

1. Clearance Testing: New dust wipe samples are collected
2. Laboratory Analysis: Samples tested to verify lead levels are below action levels
3. Certification: If passing, lead-free or lead-safe certificate issued
4. Documentation: Keep all records for future reference and property transfers

Blood Lead Level Testing in Children

If children live in or regularly visit the property:

• CDC Reference Value (2021): 3.5 μg/dL (micrograms per deciliter)
• Action Required: Follow-up testing and environmental investigation if BLL exceeds 3.5 μg/dL
• Health Impact: Even low levels can harm neurological development
• Testing Frequency: Children should be tested at ages 1 and 2, or as recommended by healthcare provider

Maintaining a Lead-Safe Property

• Inspect painted surfaces regularly for deterioration
• Repair damaged paint promptly using lead-safe methods
• Clean floors and window areas regularly with wet mop/cloth
• Keep children away from peeling paint
• Test soil in play areas if exterior paint is deteriorating
• Use only EPA-certified contractors for renovation work

Understanding Uncertainty in Results

Test results may include:

• Detection Limits: Minimum amount lab can reliably detect
• Below Detection Limit (BDL): Lead present but below measurable threshold
• Margin of Error: Natural variability in sampling and analysis

Results close to action levels warrant careful interpretation and may require additional testing.