Lead-based paint has been banned from residential use in the U.S. since 1978, but many older properties still contain it under layers of new paint. Discovering lead-based paint in your home or building can be unsettling, especially if you’re planning renovations or have young children present.
While DIY lead testing kits can provide quick results, they aren’t always as accurate or comprehensive as professional lead testing. At-home kits detect surface contamination and can be helpful for initial screening, but they typically miss hidden layers of lead paint or provide false results. Certified lead inspectors, on the other hand, use specialized equipment and lab analysis to identify and measure lead precisely throughout your property.
If your test (DIY or professional) shows the presence of lead, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an immediate danger, but it’s important to proceed with caution. Disturbing lead-based paint through sanding, scraping, or cutting can release toxic dust, which poses serious health risks when inhaled or ingested.
Understanding the proper steps to take after confirming lead paint helps protect your health, ensures compliance with safety regulations, and prevents costly cleanup or mistakes.
Understanding Positive Lead Test Results
A “positive” lead paint result means lead was detected, but now the question is how much. DIY lead test kits typically show only whether lead exists on a surface, not the concentration. Professional lab testing, however, provides detailed measurements that indicate if levels are within safe limits.
In Washington State, the Department of Commerce sets clearance levels used after lead abatement:
- Floors: below 10 micrograms per square foot (µg/ft²)
- Window sills: below 100 µg/ft²
- Window troughs: below 400 µg/ft²
Any results above these numbers are considered unsafe and require further cleaning or professional remediation. While Oregon follows similar EPA-based standards, remember that no amount of lead exposure is completely safe, especially for young children or pregnant individuals. If your test shows any presence of lead, it’s best to avoid disturbing painted surfaces until a certified lead professional can assess and manage the situation safely.
Immediate Steps to Take With Your Lead Paint Results
- Limit disruption: Avoid sanding, scraping, or otherwise disturbing painted surfaces until you know your options.
- Protect vulnerable occupants: Keep children and pregnant individuals away from areas where lead paint may be deteriorating or peeling.
- Get a professional evaluation: If your test shows any sign of lead, contact a certified lead inspector or risk assessor immediately. Only licensed professionals can accurately measure lead levels, locate hidden hazards, and confirm whether your home or business is safe. Delaying evaluation increases the risk of toxic exposure, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals, so it’s crucial to act quickly before beginning any cleaning or renovation work.
Leave your information below and we will be in touch! Leave your information below and we will be in touch! "*" indicates required fieldsSchedule Your Environmental Testing Today!
Professional Lead Paint Management Options
If lead is found in your home or business, you need to let trained professionals handle every step of the process, especially if children, pets, or anyone with health sensitivities lives there. Certified contractors can safely:
- Encapsulate intact lead paint by applying an approved sealant that locks in the hazard.
- Enclose the affected area using materials like drywall or paneling to prevent exposure.
- Remove or abate lead paint entirely when it’s deteriorating or must be disturbed during renovations.
Attempting these methods on your own can release toxic dust and cause serious health risks, always rely on certified specialists for safe, compliant lead paint management.
Lead Regulations in Oregon and Washington
In Washington State, any renovation, repair, or painting work that disturbs lead-based paint in target housing or child-occupied facilities must be performed by certified contractors following lead-safe work standards. Under WAC 365-230, lead abatement and renovation tasks, including removal, enclosure, or encapsulation, must only be done by certified individuals or firms. Contractors are also required to notify state authorities before beginning abatement work.
In Oregon, contractors who perform work on pre-1978 buildings, where lead paint may exist, are required to hold a Lead-Based Paint Renovator license from the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) and follow the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) lead-safe standards. Proper disposal is also tightly regulated: debris from lead paint removal must abide by DEQ hazardous waste protocols and cannot be casually thrown away.
Stay Safe With Help From a Certified Lab
Working with a state-certified lab like Atlas Labs, Inc. ensures your lead testing results are accurate and documented for compliance. If you’re unsure of your next step, we can connect you with qualified inspectors and abatement contractors who follow EPA and HUD guidelines. Whether you need a lead survey or have a sample ready to drop off for testing, Atlas Labs, Inc. is here for you.
Contact Atlas Labs, Inc. today to learn more about interpreting your lead paint test results.