Home lead inspections
The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program performs home lead inspections on the residences of children with blood lead levels of 15mcg/dL and higher.
Licensed risk assessors meet with the family to discuss possible exposure causes, to perform a visual inspection of the residence, and to take paint, dust, and soil samples.
The risk assessors also provide the family with information about lead poisoning prevention and how to keep the home safe. Information from an x-ray florescence (XRF) lead-based paint analyzer enables the inspector to discuss the results of the inspection during the visit. This helps the inspector to determine the best course of action and discuss this with the family immediately.
For families with children who do not have blood lead levels at or above 15mcg/dL, the program provides information and educational materials about lead poisoning and home lead remediation. A list of state licensed inspectors and contractors is available to the public.
A lead inspection is an analysis of all coated surfaces which determines the presence of lead paint and provides a report explaining the results of the analysis. Lead inspection services are available to owners of City properties in order to find lead-based paint, lead-based paint hazards, or other sources of lead that can cause poisoning.
These services include:
A paint inspection is a surface-by-surface investigation to determine the presence of lead-based paint. Because the inspection evaluates all painted surfaces, it is more comprehensive than paint testing. A certified paint inspector must perform paint inspections. Paint inspections are not required for CPD funded activities.
A risk assessment is a comprehensive investigation of a dwelling to identify lead-based paint hazards. It includes paint testing, dust and soil sampling, and a visual evaluation. A certified risk assessor must perform risk assessment. Risk assessment results are summarized in a written report with recommendations for action.
A lead hazard screen is similar to a risk assessment, but is designed for properties in good condition. A screen requires fewer samples than a risk assessment, but uses more stringent evaluation criteria. If the results of a screen indicate that lead-based paint hazards are or may be present, a full risk assessment must be conducted. A certified risk assessor must conduct a lead hazard screen. A lead hazard screen is permitted in CPD-funded projects as an alternative to a risk assessment.
If a child under age 6 is lead poisoned, an EBL investigation is done to try to determine where the lead is coming from.
Clearance testing is performed after hazard reduction, rehabilitation or maintenance activities to determine if a unit is safe for occupancy. It involves a visual assessment, analysis of dust samples, and preparation of report. The certified risk assessor, paint inspector, or lead sampling technician (called a clearance technician in the HUD regulation) performing clearance must be independent from the entity/individual conducting paint stabilization or hazard reduction.
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