Association for Neighborhood Rehabilitation, Inc
110 Ogden Street, Ogdensburg, New York 13669
Phone 315-393-4610 Fax 315-394-1815
Serving the community since 1977
Lead-Based Paint Testing
ANR performs Risk Assessment in conjunction with their owner occupied housing programs. The Risk Assessment is an invaluable tool for determining not only where the lead based paint is located but to determine if the paint (at time of inspection) is considered a hazard.
Our professional staff are NYS Paint Inspectors following both HUD, EPA, and NYS guidelines. In addition we utilize state of the art testing equipment to determine where the lead-based paint is located.
When a technician arrives at the job site they meet with the homeowner to discuss why they are there, concerns the homeowner may have, and discuss the history of the structure. The next step is to visually assess the exterior and then the interior of the home (painted surfaces only).
After completing the visual inspection the technician then begins his inspection by collectiong paint chip samples in key locations. At the same time the technician is recording the condition, color, and location of the painted surfaces. This inspection is compiled room by room. After completing the paint chip sampling the technician then conducts a dust wipe test and collects soil samples to be analyzed by a certified laboratory.
Please keep in mind there are exceptions to any type of testing and we can not cover all aspects of the site visit in this document. A copy of the completed Risk Assessment is given to the homeowner.
What is a Risk Assessment
Lead poisoning can happen in any home. Despite the condition of a home lead contamination can exist. . When people think of lead poisoning often they think of inner city housing. The truth of the matter is it can happen anywhere! The most conscientious homeowner can not see contamination due to lead dust or paint chip that may be hidden within a particular carpet or crack between the flooring. More commonly lead enters the body from swallowing lead contaminated dust, breathing in contaminated air, and you can become contaminated from your own drinking water.
Lead based paint is primarily found in housing constructed prior to 1978. Lead-based paint can be a hazard, especially when it falls into poor condition, is disturbed during maintenance or renovation of a home, and from normal wear and tear. If the paint is peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking, it will create lead dust. This lead dust can and does often create a hazardous condition for children. Children become contaminated from normal hand-to-mouth contact, they may eat paint chips or chew on painted surfaces, resulting in poisoning.
Areas of concern consist of heavy traffic areas such as door jambs and window tracks. Any painted surface that receives heavy wear and tear is a potential problem. It is very important to repair areas where lead paint is deteriorating. All areas should be repaired/repainted utilizing safe work practices. There is plenty of information available at www.epa.gov/lead for homeowners to review. You can also contact local contractors and ask them if they have been trained in Safe-Work-Practices prior to hiring for any repair concerning lead-based painted surfaces.
More information click here or the links to the right.
