Everything you need to know about lead testing

Lead is a toxic metal that was widely used in household paint until it was banned for residential use in 1978. When lead-based paint deteriorates it creates dust and chips that can be inhaled or swallowed. Even low levels of exposure can harm the brain and nervous system, especially in young children and pregnant women.

1978 is the year lead-based paint was banned for residential use in the United States. Any home or rental unit built before that year may contain lead paint under newer layers, so it is treated as a potential hazard until testing proves otherwise.

Intact, well-maintained paint is generally low risk. The danger comes when paint chips, peels, or rubs against friction surfaces like windows and doors, releasing invisible lead dust. Children absorb this dust through normal hand-to-mouth behavior, and adults can inhale it during renovations.

No. Lead dust is invisible and odorless, and lead paint often hides beneath newer coats of paint. Professional testing is the only reliable way to know whether lead is present in your property.

We perform dust wipe sampling. Our certified inspectors wipe measured areas of floors, window sills, and window troughs following EPA protocol, then seal the samples and send them to an accredited laboratory that measures the lead content in each one.

A typical residential unit takes under an hour to sample. Larger properties or multi-unit buildings may take longer, and we will give you an estimate when you book.

No. Dust wipe sampling is completely non-invasive — there is no scraping, no holes, and no damage to your walls, trim, or finishes. We leave the property exactly as we found it.

Someone needs to provide access to the property, but it does not have to be the owner. Many landlords arrange access with a tenant or property manager. Just let us know the arrangement when scheduling.

No special preparation is required, but please avoid deep-cleaning floors and window sills right before the visit — dust wipe samples need to reflect the property's normal condition. It also helps if floors and windows are accessible and not blocked by heavy furniture.

An independent, accredited laboratory. We collect and document the samples on site, but the analysis is performed by the lab, which is what makes the results defensible for city filing.

Your report will show exactly which sampled areas came back above the EPA dust-lead limits. From there you can plan appropriate cleaning, repairs, or remediation. We explain the results in plain language so you know your next step.

A lead-safe certificate confirms that a property was tested and found to have no lead hazards at the time of inspection — meaning any lead-based paint present is intact and not creating dangerous dust or chips. It is the document Philadelphia requires for many rental properties.

Yes. Philadelphia requires most residential rental properties built before 1978 to be certified lead-safe before a tenant moves in. The certificate must be provided to tenants and filed with the city.

Lead-safe certificates must be renewed on a regular cycle because a property's condition can change over time. We track your renewal date and remind you before it lapses so you never fall out of compliance.

Renting a covered property without a valid lead-safe certificate can lead to fines and the loss or denial of your rental license, which legally prevents you from collecting rent. It also exposes you to liability if a tenant is harmed.

Your certificate depends on the laboratory results, so the timing is not entirely in our hands. Dust wipe samples are sent to an accredited lab after the visit, and results generally come back within up to one week. As soon as we have them, we prepare and send your filing-ready certificate.

Yes. We prepare a clear, filing-ready report and certificate formatted for the City of Philadelphia rental program, so you can submit it with confidence.

Absolutely. We regularly work with landlords and property managers who have multiple units or entire buildings. Contact us and we will put together a schedule and quote for your portfolio.

Your certificate remains valid through its certification cycle regardless of tenant turnover, but you must provide a copy to each new tenant and keep it current. We help you track validity so you are always covered.

Properties built after the 1978 ban are generally much lower risk, but requirements can depend on your specific situation. If you are unsure, contact us for a free consultation and we will help you determine what, if anything, you need.

Yes. We are experienced at scheduling around tenants' availability and will coordinate a convenient time to minimize disruption.

Yes. A lead-safe dust wipe test tells you whether the home you are about to buy currently has a lead dust hazard, before you close. That gives you room to negotiate, plan for cleaning or remediation, or simply move in knowing the property is safe for your family.

It is a lead-safe dust wipe test timed around a real estate transaction or a new lease. Sampling happens in a single visit, and lab results follow within up to one week — so plan for that window when scheduling a closing or a move-in date.

Sanding, scraping, or demolishing old paint can release large amounts of lead dust, contaminating your home. Testing beforehand establishes the property's baseline condition and tells you whether lead-safe work practices are needed, protecting your family and your contractors.

Children under six and pregnant women are the most vulnerable. Young children absorb lead more readily and their developing brains are especially sensitive, even at low exposure levels.

Lead poisoning often has no obvious symptoms, which is what makes it so dangerous. When symptoms do appear they can include developmental delays, irritability, low appetite, and trouble concentrating. A simple blood test from your pediatrician is the way to know for sure.

Wet-wipe floors and window sills regularly, wash children's hands and toys often, leave shoes at the door, and keep painted surfaces well maintained. Most importantly, have your home tested so you can address the actual source.

Work closely with your pediatrician on the medical side, and have your home professionally inspected to identify and remove the source of exposure. Cleaning alone cannot tell you where the lead is coming from — testing can.

Call us at (610) 510-6150 or submit the form on our website. We will confirm a convenient time and answer any questions about your property.

We are locally based and serve every Philadelphia neighborhood, including Fox Chase, Northeast Philadelphia, South Philly, Fishtown, Mt. Airy, and citywide.

We are open weekdays from 9:00am to 5:30pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

Pricing depends on the size and type of property. We offer a free consultation to determine exactly which service you need and provide a clear quote up front — no surprises.

Because every sample is analyzed by an independent accredited laboratory, the turnaround depends on the lab rather than on us. Expect results within up to one week of the inspection. We then issue your report right away, formatted so you can file it or share it with confidence.

Yes. We are a licensed and insured lead testing provider serving Philadelphia, PA, with certified inspectors and accredited laboratory partners.