Lead Testing Services

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) affirmed that building managers are responsible for lead-based paint safety requirements when performing renovations. The agency announced it would proceed on March 21, 2022 to withdraw two previously published answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) concerning property management companies and their compliance responsibility under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Lead Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.

With the withdrawal of the FAQs, EPA affirms that property management companies (PMCs) that perform, offer, or claim to perform regulated renovations in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities are required to obtain certification from the EPA and ensure that renovations in the homes they manage are performed by certified firms and employees trained to use lead-safe work practices. EPA stated that withdrawing the PMC FAQs signals the agency plans to hold both the PMCs and the contractors they hire responsible for compliance if the circumstances indicate that both entities performed or offered to perform renovations for compensation in target housing or child-occupied facilities.

The RRP rule protects residents of pre-1978 homes from lead-based paint disturbed during renovation, repair, or painting activities. The rule requires that firms that perform or offer to perform renovations in pre-1978 houses need:

• To be certified by the EPA and assign individuals who have been trained to use lead-safe work practices
• Disclose important safety information to residents prior to the work
• Document their compliance with the rule 

“Lead poisoning is entirely preventable and compliance with RRP rule requirements helps to protect residents and workers from the hazards associated with lead exposure,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL is here to help property managers and contractors comply with lead regulations. With dozens of laboratories across the United States and Canada, our facilities provide environmental, industrial hygiene, and material testing services for lead. We also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, and personal protective equipment.”

To learn more about lead or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access test kits for lead or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.