Any paint with lead levels of 1 milligram and above per square centimeter is considered by the EPA as a lead-based paint. It automatically falls into the EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) program and lead abatement activities should commence.
But how to identify the presence of lead in paints? First is through a narrowing down of the search targets into three areas where lead has a high possibility of being present. The very soil in the property can be contaminated with lead. Any microscopic dirt and dusts circulating in the property can also contain lead. And of course, the most obvious source of lead contamination is exterior and interior lead-based paints.
There is a need to obtain samples from these locations and run them through lead testing activities, to check if the lead levels fall within standards or not. For example, above 40 micrograms of dust-borne lead particles lodged in a square foot of flooring are grounds for lead abatement. Lead level checking should be done in every area of the property to make sure that lead levels are normal. Again, above-standard lead levels in these areas should be enough reason to initiate lead abatement activities.
A lead abatement inspector can determine the presence of lead in the property. Either an in-house lead abatement team or an external contractor can conduct the lead abatement program based on the findings from sampling and testing activities.
