Lead and Your Health - Part 3 Specific Questions about Testing Paint, Dust, and Soil for Lead
Are All Painted Surfaces In the Home Tested? Not every single painted surface in the home will be tested in an inspection, but all types of painted surfaces are tested. For example, a room may have three windows, all painted the same color and all made out of wood. The certified Inspector may not test all three windows, because they appear to be the same.
In a similar fashion, the certified Inspector will go through every room and test the different types of painted surfaces in the rooms. Painted surfaces on the outside of the home, detached structures (such as garages), and items like painted fences and swing sets should also be tested.
Inspections differ from risk assessments and lead hazard screens. In a risk assessment, only deteriorated paint and paint that has been mouthed or chewed by a child will be tested. In a lead hazard screen, only deteriorated paint is tested.
How Are Painted Surfaces Tested? There are currently two methods recognized by EPA for testing paint: Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzers and paint chip sampling followed by analysis by a laboratory recognized by EPA’s National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP). > I. Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzers (XRFs). A portable XRF measures lead in paint, generally without damaging the paint. However, readings from some XRFs are affected by the base material (known as the “substrate”) underneath the paint, such as wood, plaster, or metal. For these cases, the certified Inspector removes paint from a few surfaces of each type and takes a measurement on the unpainted surface. These measurements provide a baseline to adjust the lead in paint value. This procedure may do some paint damage. Also, for curved surfaces or very deteriorated paint, XRF analyzers may not read accurately and a paint chip sample may be required. When a certified lead-based paint professional follows good testing practices, XRF analyzers provide a fast and reliable method for classifying many painted surfaces. However, some XRF test results may be inconclusive (neither positive nor negative). Then laboratory testing of a paint chip sample may be necessary. Because the XRF analyzer uses a radiation source to detect lead, occupants in the household should be asked to stay out of rooms behind the surfaces being tested.
> II. Paint Chip Sampling And Laboratory Analysis. Paint chip samples are collected for laboratory analysis by removing one to four square inches of paint from the surface. All layers of paint in the sampled area are included in the sample. Usually samples will contain some of the material beneath the paint, such as wood, plaster, or concrete particles. The amount of this material will be kept to a minimum.
Tools such as chisels and scrapers are used to remove the paint. Sometimes a heat gun is used to soften the paint and make the removal easier. If so, a respirator should be worn by the person operating the heat gun for protection from lead and other fumes. In addition, the room or area should be well ventilated to protect occupants. After collecting the paint chip sample, the certified lead-based paint professional will repair the scraped area so that adjacent paint will not peel or flake off. Any paint chips or dust from the sampling should be cleaned up by the certified lead-based paint professional to ensure no lead dust is left behind.
Paint chip samples should be analyzed for lead by a laboratory recognized by EPA’s NLLAP as proficient for testing lead in paint. EPA has established the NLLAP to ensure that laboratory analyses are done accurately. A laboratory on the list is recognized as proficient for testing for lead in whichever of the three sample types (paint, dust, or soil) the laboratory has qualified. The certified Inspector and certified Risk Assessor must ensure that any paint chip samples from your home are analyzed by a laboratory on the NLLAP list for paint. Your State may have its own lead program and different regulations. For more information, contact NLIC at 1-800-424-LEAD or visit www.epa.gov/lead. While paint chip sampling followed by laboratory analysis is generally more accurate than XRF testing, sampling and analysis take longer to complete and paint chips must be scraped from many surfaces in the home. In some cases, a surface may be curved or so deteriorated that an XRF cannot be used properly and sampling may be the only way to test the paint.
What Do The Results Of Paint Testing Mean? A certified lead-based paint professional will use guidance specific for each type of XRF analyzer to determine whether a measurement indicates that: >> Lead-based paint is present,
>> Lead-based paint is not present, or
>> The measurement is inconclusive and a laboratory test is necessary.
The guidance ensures the XRF measurement classifies paint as lead-based when there is 1.0 milligram of lead per square centimeter of painted surface or greater (1.0 mg/cm2). An XRF analyzer typically reads in mg/cm2, meaning milligrams per square centimeter. | Figure 17: Federal Definition Of Lead-Based Paint Depends On How Test Results Are Reported | | How Test Results Are Reported | Federal Definition Of Lead-Based Paint | | If results are reported as percent (or equivalent) | Then, in order for it to be considered lead-based paint, the paint must have greater than or equal to 0.5% (which is the same as 5,000 µg/g or 5,000 mg/kg or 5,000 ppm) lead | | If results are reported as milligrams per square centimeter | Then, in order for it to be considered lead-based paint, the paint must have greater than or equal to 1 mg/cm2 lead |
When the paint chip sampling followed by laboratory analysis method is used, the Federal definition of lead-based paint is dependent on how the results are reported:
>> If the laboratory report is expressed as weight of lead per weight of paint chip, the Federal definition of lead-based paint is 0.5 percent lead (0.5%). This is mathematically the same as 5,000 milligrams of lead per kilogram of paint chip (5,000 mg/kg), or 5,000 micrograms of lead per gram of paint chip (5,000 µg/g), or 5,000 parts per million lead (5,000 ppm).
>> If the laboratory report is expressed as a weight of lead per unit area of painted surface, the Federal definition of lead-based paint is 1.0 mg/cm2 (the same as for XRF analysis).
It is possible to report laboratory results in both types of units, but this is rarely done because of the additional time and work required. Unfortunately, there is no universal definition of lead-based paint. Some State and local governments have definitions of lead-based paint which differ from those in Federal law. It is recommended that when there is a conflict between the Federal definition and a State or local definition, the more stringent standard (that is, the lower number) be used to define lead-based paint. A certified lead-based paint professional (certified Inspector or certified Risk Assessor) should be aware of and should follow the appropriate standard.
What If No Lead-Based Paint Is Found In My Home? Lead can still be present in paint which is not classified as “lead-based.” This would occur when the paint has a lower amount of lead than the Federal government regulates. If lead is present in the paint, lead dust can be released when the paint deteriorates, or is disturbed during remodeling, renovation, sanding, or some maintenance work that breaks the surface of the paint. This is especially important in homes built before 1978. Since the amount of lead in paint was limited by Federal regulation in 1978, lead exposure during remodeling and renovation is not as much a concern in newer homes. So you should be careful when there is work that involves extensive breaking of painted surfaces in a home built before 1978. Make sure any dust and debris created by breaking painted surfaces are thoroughly cleaned up, painted surfaces are repaired and left intact when the work is done, and children stay away from the work areas until all repairs and clean-up are completed.  | Figure 18: Test for lead in your water also. |
How Are Dust Samples Collected And Analyzed? The most common method for dust collection is a surface wipe sample. Most certified Risk Assessors will use baby wipes or wet wipes to collect dust. If dust is collected from a floor, an area of one square foot is usually sampled. The area is wiped several times in different directions to pick up all the dust. After sampling, the wipe is placed in a container and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The certified Risk Assessor will also collect wipe samples from windows and measure the surface area wiped. In some situations, special types of vacuum samplers may be used for dust collection. These are different from home vacuum cleaners, although some may look the same.
The certified lead based paint professional must send dust samples to a laboratory recognized by EPA’s NLLAP that is proficient for dust analysis. Your State may have its own lead program and different regulations. For more information, contact NLIC at 1-800424-LEAD or visit www.epa.gov/lead. 
| Figure 19: Test for lead in the soil and exterior painted surfaces where a small child could reach or chew on. |
What Do The Results Of Dust Sampling Mean? Dust sample results are usually expressed as a weight of lead per unit area of surface. The units will usually be micrograms of lead per square foot. For example, a floor wipe sample may be expressed as 50 micrograms of lead per square foot. This is written as 50 µg/ft2. The certified lead-based paint professional will provide guidance in interpreting the results of the dust testing.
How Are Soil Samples Collected And Analyzed? Soil samples are collected from bare soil areas (soil with no grass or other covering) near your home where children play and from bare soil areas near the house foundation or drip line. Optional sampling areas are gardens, pathways, and pet sleeping areas. Samples are collected by coring or scooping methods that take the top half-inch of soil. Samples of non-bare soil may sometimes be collected. Soil samples must be sent to a laboratory recognized by EPA’s NLLAP that is proficient in soil analysis. Your State may have its own lead program and different regulations. For more information, contact NLIC at 1-800-424-LEAD or visit www.epa.gov/lead. What Do The Results Of Soil Testing Mean? Results of soil samples are expressed as a weight of lead per unit weight of soil, usually in parts per million. For example, a soil sample result may be 300 parts per million. This is written 300 ppm. The certified lead-based paint professional will help you interpret the results of the soil testing.
What Are Composite Samples? Composite samples are combinations of individual samples analyzed together in a laboratory to obtain a single average result. Both dust and soil samples may be composited. For example, a floor dust sample may be collected in each of three rooms and combined to obtain one composite dust sample to be analyzed by the laboratory. Or four soil samples taken in a play area may be combined to obtain one composite soil sample. Paint samples may also be composited, but this is not as common as compositing dust and soil samples.
Composite samples may often be used in risk assessments and lead hazard screens to reduce the cost of laboratory analysis or to increase the representativeness of a single sample. The disadvantage of composite samples is that information is not available for each room (or location) from which samples were collected. The certified Risk Assessor will interpret composite sample results, if any. The advantage of composite samples is that information is obtained at reduced cost or more samples are collected for the same cost.
Other Frequently Asked Questions about Lead Testing What Are Home Test Kits? Home test kits are used in the home to detect lead in paint, soil, and dust (and, in some cases, water, dishware, glasses, and ceramics). A reaction occurs causing a color change when chemicals in the kit are exposed to lead.
Does EPA Recommend Test Kits For Paint, Dust, Or Soil Testing? No. EPA does not currently recommend home test kits to detect lead in paint, dust, or soil. Studies show that these kits are not reliable enough to tell the difference between high and low levels of lead. At this time, the kits are not recommended for testing performed by either homeowners or certified lead-based paint professionals.
May I Collect Paint, Dust, And Soil Samples Myself And Send Them To A Laboratory? You may do this, although your samples may not be of the same quality as those collected by a certified lead-based paint professional. If you want to collect samples yourself, it is recommended that you send paint, dust, or soil samples to a laboratory recognized by EPA’s NLLAP. A list of NLLAP laboratories is available from NLIC by calling 1-800-424-LEAD. If the samples contain high levels of lead, you should have a certified lead-based paint professional do a risk assessment of your home. What About Testing For Lead In Water? Lead pipes and lead solder were once used in plumbing and lead leaked into drinking water. Water testing is not routinely conducted by certified lead-based paint testing professionals, but you may ask for it as an optional service. If you would like information about testing for lead in water, call the EPA Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
What About Testing For Lead In Furniture, Dishware, and Mini-Blinds? Lead may be present in the paint on furniture. If the furniture is old or the paint is damaged, you may want to have it tested. A certified Inspector or certified Risk Assessor may do this testing for you. Lead may also be present in some glassware (for example, lead crystal) and in glazes found on ceramic ware. The lead may be absorbed into the drink and food stored in these items. Contact NLIC at 1-800-424-LEAD or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Information Line at 1-800-FDA-4010 for information on testing glassware and ceramics or visit
http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/lead.html#advice.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning that some mini-blinds may contain lead. For further information, contact the CPSC hotline at 1-800-6382772 or access the CPSC webpage at
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml96/96150.html.
| Figure 20: If you are buying, renting, or renovating an older home, then test for lead for your family’s safety! |
Are You Buying or Renting a Home built before 1978?
Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead. Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renting or buying a pre-1978 housing: Residential Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Program
> Landlords have to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint.
> Sellers have to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Sales contracts must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to 10 days to check for lead hazards. |
