Paint peeling in sheets.

Well, that ain’t exactly true. This quote came from a contractor’s mouth to a client’s ear before I arrived to take a look because the homeowner smelled a fib. There are 5- ways that I am aware of to determine if the paint is lead-based: I tested the paint with the Lumetallix product and a 3-Swab, and it was negative. Honestly, we are talking about reportable amounts of lead to be correct. Even though it shows negative, there could be plenty of lead present. By testing, we are determining that it is below the reportable limit.

1. Through the electronics of an XRF output.
2. By reading a report from an NLLAP-accredited lab. (after sampling and sending it off for evaluation)
3. I used our Lumetallix Lead Test Kit. (It is NOT EPA-RECOGNIZED YET, but we are working on that.)
4. You could use a 3M swab or D-Lead. 
5. You could assume lead on pre-1978 homes, but why waste all that time and money?

There are a few other ways, but these are the most accurate and appropriate ones for this story. The truth is lead paint looks like any other paint. The difference can be harmful to your health and that of the unborn, children to the age of 6, and pets if you guess wrong. There are potential harmful cumulative effects for adults. Still, urgent issues are absent since their central nervous system is no longer developing. Remember that there is a high likelihood that adult contractors could inadvertently poison their children. (if they don’t clean up after work and inadvertently bring the dust home.)

Why Play Russian Roulette with Lead?

By now, I think everyone knows the health ramifications of getting lead into your system. The simple habit of protecting yourself and your clients from Lead-Based Paint is the least we can do as professionals. I sure as hell do not want to be the one poisoning anyone or anything in our environment. Then there are the EPA fines, far more than you can imagine. They are up around 41K per day. Other agencies regulate lead, too, but the EPA is what I have been focusing on for remodeling over the last decade. If you want to test to determine if there is a detectable amount of lead in or on something, Order your test kit today.

Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about lead testing, click here to email me directly or call 208-908-4418

If you or someone you know is lead testing or just wants to speak to a trustworthy guy, please contact me. You’ll be glad you did.