The paint is starting to chip on the south side of your house, and it’s not looking pretty, so at the request of your spouse, you go ahead and decide to paint the house; the only problem is that you don’t have the time or the expertise to do the job yourself. You searched for and contacted painters in the area and started to get bids. After you select a proposal from one of the painting contractors with lots of great online reviews, he tells you that he will only start the job if you get a lead test on the paint. You see, homes built before 1978, such are yours, were allowed to use lead-based paint. The EPA banned lead-based paint in 1978, so any home dating previous to this year may have lead-based paint.
Lead-based paint has been linked to early childhood development problems in children, organ failure, and fatalities. HUD and EPA require the disclosure of known lead-based paint in the lease or sale of a home built pre 1978 by providing a lead-based paint hazard information pamphlet to the lessee or buyer of a home.
You can take paint chips yourself and submit them to a lead testing laboratory in your area for analysis under a microscope. When you collect a sample, wear a face mask and some latex gloves to prevent getting lead on your hands and then touching your mouth or inhaling lead particles. You will need at least two samples of 3 square inches. Place the pieces in plastic baggies and label them with a number, color, and location. However, the contractor you hired may require that a certified lead inspector perform all the work to ensure it is completed correctly and legally and for liability reasons.
Lead paint test cost
So what does it cost to test for lead, you ask? That depends on whether you are doing the sampling yourself or hiring a certified professional. The professional will have the expertise and tools to get the sample correctly and provide a report that he will help interpret. And he will back the work. But on the low end, expect to pay about $45 per sample to get a test, but if you hire an expert, they will charge between $75-$200 for the site visit and inspection, plus the testing at $45 per sample.
Lead testing near me
There are many certified lead testing service providers in the US, especially in large metropolitan areas. You have to search online for “lead testing near me,” and you can find several companies that are ready to assist you with your lead testing need. When you contact these companies, ask them if the lab they use is certified to test for heavy metals and ask them if they are permitted to handle lead in paint. You can also contact the professionals at 5 Microns Inc. for assistance. We are licensed and have the expertise and tools to do the work right. You can send us a sample for testing, or we can come to you. We are available Monday to Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM, Saturday between 9 AM and 3:30 PM. Call 425-440-8787 Now! or book an appointment today! https://5microns.tech/online-appointments/
