Lead Based Paint

Despite its extensive use in construction lead based paint is a known health hazard, especially when ingested by children. Lead paint is now banned in the United States and many other countries for this reason, although millions of older buildings still contain lead paint. ARM has extensive experience and qualifications in testing and removing lead paint from buildings.

Lead Concerns

The most common reason for a property owner to require inspection and analysis services for lead paint is when they’re renovating a building built before 1978. These buildings are highly likely to contain lead paint, which poses an increased health hazard when the paint begins to peel or chip. ARM offers a range of specific options for lead paint treatment, including encapsulation, enclosure, removal and replacement.

Lead Regulation Adherence

The United States’ Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned lead paint for most applications in 1977. Since 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has required renovators to be certified before they can disturb six square feet of lead paint inside the building or 20 square feet outside.

ARM is responsible for ensuring that all workers under its direction are trained in lead awareness and lead-safe work practices. Furthermore, ARM plays a significant role in providing guidance on lead safety when it’s in charge of a project.

Lead Testing

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is the preferred method of testing lead paint in the field. It’s non-destructive and can provide a reading in four to eight seconds with an accuracy of 95 percent. If a reading with this method is inconclusive, investigators can send paint chips to a laboratory for further analysis.

ARM Lead Paint Specialists

ARM staff members have the following EPA-approved training and licenses related to lead-based paint:

• Air Monitoring (Asbestos / Lead-Based Paint / Mold)
• Lead Paint Surveys / Risk Assessment and Abatement
• XRF Spectroscopy
• National Association of Corrosion Engineers – Certified Coatings Inspector
• Society for Protective Coatings – Certified Coatings Specialist

ARM Environmental Services, Inc. was formed in 1991 to provide comprehensive environmental services, including the inspection and abatement of lead-based paint. Call us today to learn more about our lead paint services.