Which lead test does your job need?
IRIS Environmental Laboratories · 2 min read
Paint, dust wipes, soil, water or air: match your job to the right lead matrix, method and limit before you pull a sample or sign a contract.
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IRIS tests lead in five matrices, all analysed by ICP under EPA-approved methods. Pick the matrix before you sample or sign a contract.
Match your job to the matrix
| Your situation | Test |
|---|---|
| Pre-1978 building: renovation, repair or paint disturbance | Paint before the work, dust wipes for clearance after |
| Post-abatement clearance or HUD-assisted housing inspection | Dust wipes |
| Bare soil near a pre-1978 structure, a play area, or a pre-construction site | Soil |
| School, daycare or municipal drinking water compliance | Water |
| Construction, demolition, abatement or welding on lead-containing surfaces | Air (OSHA) |
Methods and limits
| Matrix | Method | Limit or rule |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | SW-846 3051A / 6010B | EPA RRP 40 CFR 745 |
| Dust wipes | SW-846 3051A / 6010B | HUD Guidelines, HUD 35.1340 |
| Soil | SW-846 3050 / 3051A | 400 mg/kg play areas, 1,200 mg/kg elsewhere |
| Water | EPA 200.5 / 200.7 | LCR action level 15 µg/L, LCRR mandate |
| Air | NIOSH 7300 | OSHA AL 30 µg/m³, PEL 50 µg/m³ |
Accreditation
- AIHA-LAP ELLAP 173498: lead in paint chips, dust wipes, soil and air
- NJ NELAP 20045: metals, including lead, by EPA 200.5
- HUD recognised: NLLAP-affiliated for HUD work, with methods aligned to the HUD Guidelines, Chapter 7
Getting it done
- Tell the lab the matrix, site type and regulatory requirement. They confirm the method, turnaround and cost in one reply.
- IRIS coordinates field sampling, or sends a self-collection kit with pre-labelled containers and a COC form.
- Samples are analysed by ICP, with chain of custody kept throughout.
- You get a certified analytical report, accepted by EPA, HUD, OSHA and NJ DEP for compliance submissions.
Forms
- Paint, wipes and soil: Start the lead COC
- Air filters: Start the lead air COC
- Drinking water: the lead and copper multi-state form (PDF)
Not sure which matrix applies? Contact the lab or email support@irislaboratories.com.
Lead
Dust wipes, paint chips, soil and air. EPA / AIHA.
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