Dust Clearances

Testing for lead dust can be performed at any time.  It may be for informational purposes only, during a Reinspection, or after renovation work has been performed.  Lead dust is the most dangerous problem with lead paint and the hardest hazard to detect. 

What is it?

Dust Clearances are performed in order to assess the amount of lead dust in a home or building.  A Licensed Lead Inspector will take a number of wipes on many surfaces throughout the property.  Floors, window sills, and window wells are required to be tested during this process, but other surfaces may be tested too if requested.  The lead dust standards are very small, because even a small amount of lead dust can be harmful.  For a floor, the amount of lead dust that is considered to be unsafe is 25,000 times smaller than a packet of sugar!

Why have a Dust Clearance?

Dust Clearances can be performed for many reasons.  You may choose to assess the amount of lead in your home for informational purposes only.  It is an inexpensive way to help protect your family’s health as well as your own. 

After renovation work is done in your home that has disturbed some amount of lead paint, the dust can remain behind for many years if it is not cleaned properly.  The best way to assess the extent and success of cleaning is to have Dust Clearance performed.  If the Clearance passes then the work was done properly and there is no need to be concerned.

Contractors may also choose to have these Dust Clearances performed at the end of jobs they perform.  This is a way to better protect from liability, fines, and litigation further down the road.  For large jobs this expense is minimal compared to the overall cost to do the job, as well as compared to the costs of litigation.

How long does it take?

Dust Clearances can be done in a very short amount of time.  The typical Dust Clearance will take about 20 minutes.  Results will typically be ready within 24 hours.