The Truth About Lead

     Lead is a natural chemical element or metal. It is also a pollutant that is regulated by many laws enforced by the EPA. Lead can be found in air, water, dirt, dust, paint, fossil fuels, building components such as ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, toys, cosmetics and many other things. Our testing is primarily conducted on potential lead-based paint and building components within homes and commercial dwellings. In 1971, the federal Lead Poisoning Prevention Act was passed. In 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead paint. Many people are familiar with Title X, the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992. It is the foundation for the common lead-base paint disclosure used in real estate transactions for residential properties.

www.hud.gov/healthy_homes/disclosure

https://www.epa.gov/lead

Lead Warning Statement found in lead-based paint disclosures for residential real estate sales: “Every purchaser of any interest in residential real property on which a residential dwelling was built prior to 1978 is notified that such property may present exposure to lead from lead-based paint that may place young children at risk of developing lead poisoning. Lead poisoning in young children may produce permanent neurological damage, including learning disabilities, reduced intelligence quotient, behavioral problems, and impaired memory. Lead poisoning also poses a particular risk to pregnant women. The seller of any interest in residential real property is required to provide the buyer with any information on lead-based paint hazards from risk assessments or inspections in the seller’s possession and notify the buyer of any known lead-based paint hazards. A risk assessment or inspection for possible lead-based paint hazards is recommended prior to purchase.”

Is your home built prior to 1978?

If so, an inspection and testing must occur before any potential lead-base paint is disturbed.

     Laws pertaining to lead:  Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X), Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) among others. Or just: https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-laws-and-regulations

     NES is a certified lead inspection, hazard screen, risk assessment firm. Our certified inspector will perform a detailed inspection including the use of a thermo scientific analytical instrument (XRF). This state-of-the-art instrument uses cutting edge technology to produce immediate onsite results for lead detection. The XRF inspection is only performed by skilled licensed and highly trained individuals. NES is one of very few in the area who are qualified to operate this equipment.

XRF, X-ray Florescence, instruments provide immediate results.

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