When lead testing is required

EPA, HUD, OSHA, NJ DEP and NJDOH each keep their own lead standards, and a single site can trigger several of them. No safe level of lead exposure has ever been established for children.

Renovation and demolition

• Pre-1978 housing or a child-occupied facility triggers the EPA RRP Rule. Contractors must test before disturbing any painted surface.
• NJ requires a state-licensed lead inspector for pre-renovation assessments. That is the inspector's role, separate from IRIS's lab analysis.

Real estate and rentals

• NJ requires lead paint inspections at tenant turnover for pre-1978 rentals (P.L. 2021, c.182).
• Under NJ P.L. 2024, c.74, lead inspection certificates are valid for 3 years.
• Buyers of pre-1978 homes must receive the EPA lead disclosure.
• In HUD-assisted housing, a clearance exam is required after any hazard reduction.

Schools, daycares and child facilities

• EPA LCRR: all drinking water outlets in schools and childcare facilities must be tested. The Lead and Copper Rule action level is 15 µg/L.
• NJ public schools must test all outlets under N.J.A.C. 6A:26-12.
• HUD and EPA dust and paint standards apply to any facility with children under 6.

Work sites

• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.62 (construction): action level 30 µg/m³, PEL 50 µg/m³.
• Initial air monitoring is required when workers may exceed the action level. Abatement, demolition, welding and sanding lead surfaces are mandatory triggers.
• Periodic blood lead monitoring is required for workers above the action level.

Which test meets which rule

IRIS reports are certified analytical documents accepted by EPA, HUD, OSHA, NJ DEP and NJDOH. To confirm what your job needs, contact the lab or email support@irislaboratories.com.