If you are trying to gain Compliance with the Lead Laws or want to know the potential lead hazards in a home before you buy it (or may currently live in) then the first step is to have Full Comprehensive Initial Inspection done by a Licensed Lead Inspector. 

Full Compreshensive Initial Inspection

What is it?

The most common type of inspection is a Full Comprehensive Initial Inspection (Initial).  During an Initial Inspection, a lead inspector will use a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer or approved chemical to test all of the components in your home for lead paint.  They will test not only interior components, but also the outside of the home as well.  An inspector is trained to measure and record lead paint and also to identify what are considered to be lead paint hazards.  Not all lead paint has to be removed in order for a home to gain Compliance with the Lead Law.  Only lead paint which is considered to be a hazard must be removed.  Examples of hazards include loose lead paint or surfaces which are chewable for children.  If no lead hazards are found during this Initial Inspection then you will be issued an Initial Letter of Compliance.

Why have an Initial Inspection?

Homeowners

An initial inspection can be performed for many reasons.  The most common reason is that a person is trying to gain a Letter of Compliance, which states that the property has been brought into compliance with the lead laws, and an initial inspection is the first step in obtaining this document.  For homeowners this means that you can be confident that your property is safe for you and your family.  It is also a great way of increasing the value of your home for future sales.

 Having an inspection does not obligate you to have deleading work done.  Once you have your inspection report you may choose to do nothing with the results and not address any lead hazards that were found. 

Rental Property Owners

For rental property owners a Letter of Compliance protects them from Strict Liability, which is a result of the lead laws in Massachusetts.  Strict Liability puts fault for any lead poisoning cases that occur to occupants of a building on the property owner.  The cost of this litigation can cost a lot more than a simple inspection and proper deleading work.