Possible lead-based paint presence in a home is of elevated concern for any pre-1978 residence due to the known dangers of lead poisoning of children. In fact, the real estate industry requires special disclosures and warnings to be given to anyone considering purchasing a pre-1978 residence. Furthermore, the EPA’s protocols for testing of painted surfaces has become more restrictive through the years. For instance, swab sampling is generally no longer acceptable to them. Instead, we use XRF (X-ray fluorescence) machines through a subcontractor to perform in-depth measurements and reporting for any home. The reports are fast and nondestructive. They document where lead is located room by room, component by component, in an easy-to-read report that can be used to give to renovation contractors or painters that will reduce your costs of them needing to do similar sampling and reporting. Therefore, if you are purchasing a pre-1978 residence and planning to have any painting and/or renovation done by contractors, it makes sense to obtain a detailed report now, before completing your purchase. (Of course, if planning to perform painting and/or renovation yourself, as a homeowner, you are not required to follow OSHA’s or EPA’s regulations.)
