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July 31, 2009

Lead Test

Prior to undertaking some construction in an apartment, I first want a fast, quick, and dirty test to verify if there is LEAD present, before going forward and paying the full lab costs of a fully EPA Certified LEAD sampling and lab testing procedure.

Can anyone inform me if the XRF Analyzer (the gun pointed at walls that read presence of LEAD) is the accepted method of determining the presence of lead in wall and ceiling paint prior to any abatement efforts; also if it is possible to get a quick reading (i.e.,without having to send out for lab results) from just a lead testing firm with their XRF analyzer...If the LEAD tester in his experience can make an educated determination that there is LEAD present, I'll go for forward the full battery of tests.
Can anyone recommend me someone that can do this initial quick & dirty test for a reasonably low fee?
I need to have a tentative initial determination within a few days.

Thanks a bunch.

PS: someone informed me that the wipe test (also called 'swab' or 'swipe' test) is only used AFTER an a lead abatement has been performed, to determine the presence of residual lead, but it doesn't test for lead in the walls and ceilings. Is this true?

Comments

Is there a reason why you have to have the lead test?

Unless I'm missing something, if it's an older apartment (like 30ys+), it seems easier to just assume you do have lead paint and proceed accordingly taking the proper precautions against ingesting it during renovations (i.e. don't take dry sandpaper to the walls, wear a mask when there's dust in the air, don't eat paint chips, etc.)

Posted by: setancre at July 31, 2009 1:36 PM

Yes, there's very good reason why I need t have the LEAD test. I understand fully about building age and the presumption of lead: and that isn't what I am inquiring about. I 'm familair with EPA guidelines for lead abatement and materials handling.

I repeat my question: can anyone recommend an inexpensive individual experienced with an XRF test in a residential apartment context?

Thank you.

Posted by: Oxygen at July 31, 2009 7:59 PM

Yes, there's very good reason why I need t have the LEAD test. I understand fully about building age and the presumption of lead: and that isn't what I am inquiring about. I 'm familiar with EPA guidelines for lead abatement and materials handling.