What is lead?

Lead is a post-transition metal which is scientifically known as Pb with an atomic number of 82. This element is denser than the majority of common materials. Lead is soft metal that has been used for a variety of applications over the years. Since 5000 BC, it has been extensively utilized in paints and pesticides as well as metal products, wires, and pipes. Out of the four metals, lead is the one that has the worst effects on human health. Through the ingestion of food (65%), water (20%), and air (15%), it can enter the human body.

People are most commonly exposed to lead by drinking contaminated water, inhaling lead particles in the air, and ingesting lead dust or flakes, particularly in the form of lead-based paint. Lead dust or flakes are easily released into the air and collect on interior surfaces when old paint deteriorates or is disturbed by sanding or demolition.

Why do we need to conduct Lead Testing and Inspection?

In the past decades, research has revealed that lead paint is highly toxic and, if absorbed into the bloodstream, can cause serious health problems such as brain, nervous system, and kidney issues. Milder illnesses like headaches, skin rashes, and minor breathing difficulties have also been linked to lead poisoning.

Conducting a thorough lead inspection identifies defective surfaces and assesses toxic levels of lead-based paint on the inside and outside of the home. A comprehensive lead inspection is typically performed using a special instrument for lead in paint testing (an X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer or XRF). The XRF detects lead in all paint layers. This non-destructive testing provides immediate, dependable on-site results and can test intact painted surfaces. Soil, water, and dust samples are collected as part of the comprehensive lead inspection and analyzed for lead concentrations by a certified laboratory.

Lead testing can be done in two ways:

Paint inspection - determines the amount of lead in painted surfaces in your home or workplace
Risk assessment - identifies sources of lead exposure such as paint and lead dust and tells you what steps to take to correct this.

An onsite inspection and visual examination of the property to identify potential lead-based paint hazards such as defective paint, with follow-up testing of potential sources of toxic levels of lead are part of a risk assessment. Defective painted surfaces can be tested by a certified laboratory using XRF analysis or paint chip analysis. Dust wipe samples can be collected in specific locations to determine if there is a lead dust hazard. Lead concentrations can be determined by collecting soil and water samples and analyzing them.

Keep Safe and Take Action!

If lead is found in your home or in your workplace, a lead abatement protocol will be required to ensure that all affected areas are dealt with safely and thoroughly. A certified risk assessor can help you review the report and decide whether abatement (completely eliminating lead hazards) or continued good maintenance (managing potential lead hazards) is a better option for you and your family. Hire a trained and certified abatement contractor if you decide to abate. If you choose to manage your lead-based paint in place, you must inspect and maintain it on a regular basis, and you must hire only lead-safe certified home contractors for any work that will disturb lead-based paint. A qualified lead-based paint professional will know how to work safely and will have documentation of certification.

Looking for Wise and Professional Lead Testing Services?

MSE Environmental is a diverse environmental consulting and industrial hygiene supplier. This service has performed thousands of lead paint tests over the years and are trained to identify and address these issues as soon as possible. Don't be caught off guard by issues with old lead paint or other contaminants in your home or workplace. The service can assist you in dealing with them in an efficient and safe manner.

It carries and provides thorough paint tests and procedures - XRF Analyzer for Paint Inspections; HUD Inspections; Abatement Project Design; Work Plans and Specifications; Management of Abatement Projects; Personal and air monitoring; Post-Abatement Clearance Testing; Risk evaluations.

Always seek professional advice before attempting to remove lead-based paint or lead contamination from your home or workplace.