LEAD-BASED PAINT INSPECTIONS IN NEW YORK CITY
At MKM Environmental Consulting, we perform XRF Lead-based Paint Inspections on residential and commercial properties
As an EPA Certified Lead Paint Firm, we can ensure your property complies with the current laws and is safe for you and your family.
We only use the newest and most technologically advanced equipment.
XRF Testing is Non-Invasive and includes checking all painted surfaces and components.
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ARE YOU IN COMPLIANCE WITH NEW YORK CITY LOCAL LAW 1?
ALL RESIDENTIAL BUILDING OWNERS HAVE UNTIL AUGUST 9, 2025 (OR 08/2021 IF CHILDREN UNDER SIX RESIDE IN THE APARTMENT) TO HAVE THEIR APARTMENTS INSPECTED FOR LEAD-BASED PAINT BY A CERTIFIED US EPA LEAD-BASED PAINT INSPECTOR OR RISK ASSESSOR
LEAD-BASED PAINT RULES ALSO APPLY TO SMALLER LANDLORDS AND VACATION RENTAL OWNERS. THE DEFINITION OF MULTIPLE DWELLINGS NOW INCLUDES ONE AND TWO-FAMILY HOSUE RENTALS
THE DEFINITION LEAD-BASED PAINT WAS AMENDED TO BE DEFINED AS PAINT THAY HAS A LEAD CONTENT MEASURED AT 0.5 mg/cm2 OR GREATER.
ADDITIONALLY, Local Law 28 of 2020 gives more authority to HPD in terms of violations and requirements to remediate lead hazards when a unit turns over. If a building owner is unable to provide a record of having completed the required lead hazard remediation at turnover, it is assumed that the owner violated the relevant provisions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NEW YORK CITY LOCAL LAW 1 PLEASE SEE THE NYC HPD WEBINAR BELOW
When should you have your home inspected for lead?
You should hire a lead paint inspector if:
1. Your child has suffered from lead poisoning. Lead-based paint and lead dust are the most common home-based sources of exposure to lead.
2. Your children live or plan to live in an old house with a construction period before 1978.
3. You are going to repair or renovate any area which will disturb existing lead-based paint surfaces. The dust and small chips containing lead-based paint can cause lead exposure for you and your family.
4. You want to rent or purchase a home. The government regulations stipulate that the purchaser is free to inspect to ascertain if the house has any hazards of lead-based paints, especially when you have young kids living or planning to live in the said house property. You need to be aware of your rights before purchasing a home for your loved ones.
5. You care for potential lead exposure to your family members, pets, and even visitors.
New York City has recently introduced new laws regarding lead-based paint.
The main objective was to close loopholes that endanger children and increase protection for pregnant women and the general public from lead poisoning.
The most significant change is that XRF LEAD PAINT Inspections are now required for ALL Units: Local Law 31 of 2020 – Effective August 9, 2020.
Who is at risk?
Children: Children are vulnerable to the dangerous effects of lead because they absorb higher amounts of lead elements than adults. They are at a higher risk since their brain and nervous systems are more sensitive to lead. Infants and young kids have an increased risk of exposure since they usually put their hands or toys into their mouths. It leads to the quick transfer of lead elements from dust or soil to their mouths.
Children can get exposure to lead through some of the following ways:
- They Consume food items or water and use utensils, toys, glasses, or any other items containing lead.
- They may inhale lead dust from paint or soil having lead contamination.
- Even some toys with lead paints are responsible for a high degree of exposure and consequent risk.
Adults, Including Pregnant Women: Adults can get exposure to lead in one of the following ways:
- By consuming food or drinking water from contaminated glasses or dishes
- By Breathing dust in areas where the paint is in a deterioration stage
- During renovation or repair of painted surfaces of old buildings
- When engaged in the hobby of stained glass painting
- Working on sites where people use lead in the course of their jobs
- It is a matter of concern for pregnant women because if they get exposure to lead in any of the above ways, it indirectly causes lead exposure to the growing baby inside her.
Who is a lead inspector/Risk Assessor?
An EPA Lead Inspector or Risk Assessor is a person who is certified by the EPA to perform inspections of properties for the presence of lead. As an EPA Certified Lead Paint Inspector/Risk Assessor, we can ensure your property complies with the law and is safe for you and your family.
What is Lead?
Lead is a natural element available in small quantities in the uppermost crust of the earth. Although it is beneficial to us in many ways, it is hazardous to animals and human beings.
Where is Lead Found?
- You can find lead almost everywhere in the environment, not just in water and soil but also in the air we breathe and right inside your homes. Maximum exposure to lead occurs from human activities involving fossil fuels, gasoline, paints, and specific industrial applications. We use the lead element and its compounds in our daily lives in a wide range of products like paint, batteries, cosmetics, ceramic, plumbing pipes, soldering, ammunition, etc.
- Lead can spread to our environment through our previous and existing uses. Industrial sites and old contaminated lead smelters can also contribute to it. Although the natural level of lead in soil is 50-400 PPM (Parts Per Million), industrial activities of mining, smelting, and refining can substantially increase the level. That is why the lead level is quite high near such industrial locations.
- The industrial sources and vehicles emit lead into the air, flying to far-flung places before settling down. These lead elements quickly stick to soil particles and find their way into groundwater according to the lead type and soil features.
- Government regulations have aided in lowering the lead level in our environment, mostly in our drinking water, air, soil, and food products.
MKM Environment Consulting carries out an on-site risk assessment and inspection to determine the lead presence and consequent risks. The investigation includes the determination of type, location, and severity of lead. The evaluation also examines lead hazards in paint, dust, and soil. Only certified risk assessors can legally conduct such an assessment. The assessment of paint hazards is quite useful in finding out the existing exposure sources and the best possible solutions.
There is also a possibility to conduct an inspection and risk assessment jointly. MKM prepares a written report of its findings in both these options.
