What is lead?

Lead is a highly-toxic metal and can be found in a variety of materials like paint, tap water, and even some candies and ceramics that are commonly purchased abroad. If lead is ingested, it can cause a variety of health problems, including seizures, damage to the brain and other vital organs, developmental issues in children, nausea, tiredness, and stomachaches- or even death. It is a particular concern for young children, who may play in lead-contaminated soil, place lead-contaminated objects into their mouths, or eat paint chips that are flaking or peeling. A child who has lead poisoning may be gravely ill, however may outwardly exhibit no symptoms.

Lead-based paint was very common until 1978. As such, the EPA and various municipalities have enacted laws regarding lead-based paint with which you must comply when renting or renovating a pre-1978 property. A lot of the dangers of lead may be reduced by regular household cleaning, maintaining painted surfaces (like removing peeling paint and repainting), and removing shoes when entering the house, however it is important to check it from time to time.

Why Test for Lead?

To Protect Your Family

Exposure to lead in childhood can cause learning and behavior problems. Even small amounts of lead can cause harm to the brain and other parts of the nervous system. Especially if you have small children, you may want to test for lead-based paint for your own peace of mind

To Rent a Property & Get a Rental License

In Philadelphia, beginning on October 1, 2020, landlords will be required to test and certify residential rental properties as lead-safe or lead-free in order execute or renew a lease or receive or renew a rental license. This requirement will be phased in by zip code for all rental properties, however if a child age 6 or under lives in the rental property, it must be done regardless of zip code. Click on the button below to learn more about lead requirements in Philadelphia.

Following a Renovation on a Property Built Before 1978

Lead dust testing is also used by EPA certified contractors (who work on properties built prior to 1978) to test for lead dust after a renovation is completed.

What is the difference between lead-safe and lead-free certification?

The process for obtaining a lead-free certificate is different from obtaining a lead-safe certificate. At this time, Salus Lead Services only provides lead-safe certificates.

Lead-Safe Certification

A certification that a property is lead safe means that a certified lead dust sampling technician or a licensed lead inspector-risk assessor has 1) determined the property is free of deteriorated, flaking, chipping, peeling, chalking, or non-intact paint, and 2) interior dust samples were collected, tested, and found not to contain hazardous levels of lead-contaminated dust. This certificate is valid for 4 years in Philadelphia.

Lead-Free Certification

A property is considered lead free when the property has been certified by a licensed lead risk assessor that it does not have any lead-based paint based on EPA/HUD standards. This certificate is valid indefinitely.

One of our certified technicians will come to your property and will first do a visual inspection to check for any peeling, cracking, or chipping paint. We will note any repairs that need to be made, and if it passes the visual inspection, we will move on to the dust sampling. To measure the levels of lead in the property, we take dust samples from the floor and windowsills of the common areas and bedrooms of your property. These will be sent to our lab for analysis and then the results will be sent to you. If the levels come back under the threshold, we will send you a lead-safe certificate for your property. We will also provide you with instructions to upload it onto the Philadelphia Department of Health portal, which is required if you are going to rent your property.

If the property does not pass, then you must make the necessary repairs and retest it. There is a retesting fee, which varies depending on how many samples needed.

If your property was built after 1978, it is less likely that lead hazards exist and so in Philadelphia you are not required to do lead testing. You will, however, be required to provide proof that the property was built after 1978. You can find that form here.