Assessment and Abatement
Key Terms for Lead Assessment and Abatement
Identifies the presence of lead-based paint. Certified and trained inspectors use x-ray fluorescence machines commonly called "XRF" or can send off paint chips to be analyzed. However, an inspection won’t tell you whether the paint is a hazard, presence of lead contaminated dust or soil, or how you should deal with it.
Determines if any lead-based paint hazards exist, which could cause harmful exposure to lead, particularly to young children and pregnant women. The assessment report will provide options for controlling the hazards found. You may need interim controls, abatement or a combination.
Measures to temporarily control lead-based paint hazards and lead dust.
A process to permanently (20 years or more) control a lead hazard by limiting exposure to harmful levels of lead. Abatement can include strategies such as paint removal, sealing or enclosing an area with an approved product, or permanently covering bare lead-contaminated soil. Painting over lead-based paint with regular paint is not enough.
** Lead inspections and risk assessments should not be confused with a home inspection. A home inspector may not have training in lead-based paint hazards and be certified with the state. Always check the inspector’s training and qualifications.
For more information on the difference between lead inspections and risk assessments, click here. For information on Certified Lead Paint Individuals and Firms, click here.