Lead inspections are conducted by trained state or local code enforcement officials or by private sector certified lead inspectors or lead inspector/risk assessors employed by licensed lead consultant contractors. Lead inspections are performed:
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in response to an elevated blood lead level of a child in residence in a pre-1978 built dwelling;
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in response to a child less than 6 years of age residing in a pre-1978 dwelling in which toxic levels of lead and defective surfaces have been previously identified;
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in pre-1978 Family, Group or Daycare Centers that have not been previously inspected for lead hazards;
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for certain HUD funded projects in which the HUD Lead Paint Safety Rule applies, and
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on a voluntary basis to identify concentrations and locations of toxic levels of lead subsequent to lead abatement.
A comprehensive lead inspection identifies defective surfaces and measures toxic levels of lead-based paint in the interior and the exterior of the dwelling. A comprehensive lead inspection is usually conducted using a special instrument (an X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer or XRF) for lead in paint testing. The XRF identifies lead in all layers of paint. This non-destructive testing provides immediate, reliable, on-site results and allows for the testing of intact painted surfaces. As part of the comprehensive lead inspection, soil, water, and dust samples are collected and analyzed for lead concentrations by a certified laboratory. If a full, comprehensive, lead inspection is not required, a more limited testing (e.g., paint testing within the interior of the home or paint testing of areas that are scheduled for repainting or remodeling) may be conducted by the Lead Consultant Contractor.
A risk assessment includes an onsite inspection and visual examination of the property to identify potential lead-based paint hazards such as defective paint with follow up testing of potential sources of toxic levels of lead. Defective painted surfaces can be tested by XRF analysis or paint chip analysis by a certified laboratory. Dust wipe samples may be collected in selected locations to determine if a lead dust hazard exist. Soil and water samples may be collected and analyzed for lead concentrations. A report explains actions that may be taken to address any identified lead hazards identified. Intact paint is usually not tested during a risk assessment.
If you are required to have a lead inspection or lead risk assessment conducted, you must have the work performed by a CT DPH Licensed Consultant Contractor who will utilize a DPH certified lead inspector or lead risk assessor to conduct the inspection. A Home Inspector cannot provide either of these services unless he/she is also a CT DPH licensed lead consultant contractor and certified Lead Inspector or Lead Inspector Risk Assessor. Lead test kits are not an approved method for testing of painted surfaces in Connecticut.
Please refer to the CT eLicensing Website to obtain a roster of lead consultant contractors (directions on how to Find a Qualified Lead Professional are below).
Forms:
XFR information: