Written by the Environmental Team.

Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal. Prior to 1978, it was widely used in paints to speed drying, increase durability, and resist moisture. Under federal law, paint is considered “lead-based paint” if it contains 1.0 mg/cm2. When buildings built before this year begin to degrade, occupants face extreme health risks.

The Problem: Why Lead Paint Testing Matters

Lead dust and peeling paint are dangerous when ingested or inhaled. In adults, it causes high blood pressure and cognitive decline. In children, it causes irreversible neurological damage and developmental delays.

You need testing when:

· You plan to remodel or renovate an older residential or commercial space.

· Paint is chipping, cracking, or peeling in friction areas like window sashes and doors.

· You are finalizing an older property purchase, and the lender mandates an inspection.

The Testing and Inspection Process

XRF Analysis: Instead of cutting into walls, our certified inspectors use a calibrated X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, which reads the lead content in the paint instantly without damaging surfaces.

After the inspection, Alpha issues a summary report documenting areas where lead-based paint is present, including areas with lead-containing paint below the EPA limit.

Potential Complications

· Multiple Layers: Lead paint is frequently buried under several coats of modern, lead-free paint. A simple visual inspection will miss the danger.

· Soil Contamination: Exterior lead-based paint chips can fall into the surrounding soil, requiring environmental soil tests in addition to interior analysis.

Do you have concerns about lead-based paint in your home? Contact us now for a FREE ESTIMATE.