Lead Testing
Table of Contents
Why Lead Testing Is Important
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause severe health issues, including developmental problems in children, fertility issues, and increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney damage. The presence of lead in paint, soil, or water can pose a significant health risk, especially to children and pregnant women. Therefore, it’s crucial to test these elements to ensure they are free from lead contamination.
When To Test For Lead
If deterioration is present, or if a disturbance (renovation/repair/demolition) is planned, then a lead-based paint survey may be necessary, especially if you have children under
If a Notice of Violation (NOV) has been issued by the local department of public health, a certified lead-based paint abatement contractor should be hired to develop an abatement protocol and provide the abatement work necessary. American Air Testing can then be hired once the abatement work is complete to perform the validation testing necessary to satisfy the Notice of Violation.
If an Elevated Blood Lead Level (EBLL) has been established by a pediatrician in a child under the age of six.
Lead in Paint, Soil and Water Testing
Older homes and buildings in San Francisco often have layers of lead-based paint. Our team uses X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology to detect the presence of lead in paint accurately. We provide a detailed report and recommendations for lead paint removal or encapsulation.
Soil contamination can occur from various sources, including old paint chips, industrial waste, or contaminated water. Our soil testing services include sample collection and laboratory analysis to determine the lead levels in your property’s soil.
Lead can enter drinking water through corroded plumbing systems. We offer water testing services that include collecting samples from multiple points in your plumbing system and analyzing them for lead content. If we find elevated levels, we recommend immediate remedial actions.
Licensed, Insured, Experienced
Experienced Team: Our environmental inspectors are certified and have years of experience in lead testing.
Advanced Technology: We use the latest technology to provide accurate and reliable results.
Quick Turnaround: Get your results quickly so you can take any necessary preventive measures as soon as possible.
Local Expertise: Being based in San Francisco, we understand the local regulations and guidelines related to lead testing.
Lead Acceptable Levels
LEAD LEVELS FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Lead-based Paint XRF Results | |
XRF Lead Gun | |
PASS | < 1.0 mg/cm² |
FAIL | ≥ 1.0 mg/cm² |
Lead Wipe Samples | |
Interior Floor Surface | |
PASS | < 10 µg/ft.² |
FAIL | ≥ 10 µg/ft.² |
Interior Window Sills | |
PASS | < 100 µg/ft.² |
FAIL | ≥ 100 µg/ft.² |
Other Interior Horizontal Surface | |
PASS | < 40 µg/ft.² |
FAIL | ≥ 40 µg/ft.² |
Exterior Floors | |
PASS | < 400 µg/ft.² |
FAIL | ≥ 400 µg/ft.² |
Other Exterior Horizontal Surfaces | |
Pass | < 400 µg/ft.² |
Fail | ≥ 400 µg/ft.² |
Exterior Window Sill/Trough | |
PASS | < 400 µg/ft.² |
FAIL | ≥ 400 µg/ft.² |
Field Blank | < 10 µg/ft.² |
Lead Soil Samples | |
Children’s Playground | |
PASS | < 400 ppm |
FAIL | ≥ 400 ppm |
Not in Children’s Playground | |
PASS | < 1000 ppm |
FAIL | ≥ 1000 ppm |
Lead Water Samples | |
PASS | < 15 ppb |
FAIL | ≥ 15 ppb |
Lead NOV Help
If you have received a Notice of Violation from the local building department a physician has tested a child and found an elevated level of lead. This may not always be the case, but it is usually the case. California law requires both physicians and environmental consultants to report all lead testing results to the California Department of Health.
We can help with any kind of NOV from the Building Department; lead NOVs are the most common.
Links
EPA National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP):
This program under the International Accreditation Service, Inc. (IAS), plays a crucial role in accrediting laboratories for lead sample analysis, following the standards set by the EPA. American Air Testing uses NLLAP certified labs only.
State and Local Programs by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC supports state and local health departments in childhood lead poisoning prevention activities, which include blood lead testing and reporting, surveillance, and linking children to recommended follow-up services.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA addresses lead contamination under several laws related to lead in various forms such as paint, dust, soil, air, water, and waste disposal. The agency issues and enforces regulations to manage lead-related hazards.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA oversees lead exposure in various work environments, providing guidelines and regulations to protect workers from lead poisoning and ensuring safe occupational practices.