Indianapolis Lead Testing & Assessment

Lead is an issue in many older homes painted with lead paint before it was banned by the federal government in 1978. While it is a declining problem, lead paint and/or lead pipes or soldering are still present in older homes. Sadly, it is the leading cause of lead poisoning in children.

Lead can be found in the following locations in and around the home:

• Paint: Many older homes have lead-based paint. The presence of lead-based paint poses a risk for children and infants.
• Soil: Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint or other sources, such as past leaded gas in cars.
• Household Dust: Dust can pick up lead from deteriorating lead-based paint or soil tracked into a home from the outside.
• Drinking Water: Your home might have plumbing that uses lead piping or lead solder for drinking water.
• Other: Children’s toys that are much older or foreign-made may contain lead-based paint; antique items such as plates may also contain lead.

On April 22, 2008, the EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions to prevent lead poisoning. In April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified to work safely with lead-contaminated surfaces. They must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Aegis Environmental inspectors are trained, state-certified lead inspectors. Aegis currently offers the following services:

• Lead-in-paint assessments
• Soil/dust sampling
• Abatement supervision
• Clearance testing
• Water Testing

Frequently Asked Questions About Lead

I live in an older home; what are the chances of it having lead paint?
Many houses and apartment complexes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. The likelihood that your home contains lead-based paint is higher if it was painted before 1978. The EPA estimates that 87 percent of homes built before 1940 contain lead-based paint, while only 24 percent of homes built between 1960 and 1977 do.

How will I know for sure if my house has lead paint?
The only way to determine whether or not paint contains lead is to test it. Lead paint is sometimes under layers of newer paint. Lead paint is usually not a problem if it is in good condition. Deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damage, or dampness) is a hazard and requires immediate attention.

How much will it cost to get my house tested?
The cost will vary depending on the number of tests administered and the consultation/trip fee.

Lead Links:

EPA Lead Page http://www.epa.gov/lead/