Help to find certified lead inspector

[Citadel21]

Hi,

I'am going to move in a new house that I rent (Queen Village). It is an old house and I would like to have an inspection for Lead based paint and dust. Does anyone know someone for that? and what is the price?

Thank you.

[Brooke]

I have never had a lead inspection done but since I'm in the industry, I know generally about them--my usual home inspector, Curtis Niles of Armored Home Inspections, does them. My understanding is that they are slightly invasive, requiring scraping paint from walls, window sills, etc. so you may want to get written permission from your new landlord or be faced with the property damage bill.

The cost starts around $250 and moves up from there.

If you're concerned about dust particles in the air, you may seek an air quality test. He, to the best of my knowledge, does that too. I believe they start around $400.

[Citadel21]

Does it mean that nobody does that when you rent!!??

Thank you very much for the information. I really appreciate.

[stonefly]

If the house was built prior to 1978 (which it probably was) you'll probably find lead.
Here are some EPA links:

Lead: National Lead Information Center | Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil | US EPA

Lead Home | Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil | US EPA

[HomeGirl]

Since the majority of Philly homes were built before 1978, it is widely presumed that there is lead in the home...most Buyers waive their lead inspection and I've never met a Renter that requested one.

Another inspector recommendation is:
D-Tech Environmental: 215.233.5888

[BeckyJ]

Does it mean that nobody does that when you rent!!??

Thank you very much for the information. I really appreciate.

I've never heard of a renter getting a lead inspection. I don't have kids so I don't worry about them eating the paint (which is the primary concern with lead-based paints). It seems to be a bigger concern if you are remodeling an older house as opposed to just living in one.

[Litter Box]

DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH BUT ..............

Reynolds Brown: Require rentals to be lead-free | Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/28/2010

[LeadFree Philly]

Thankfully a co-worker of mine referred me to this site. I've been working in lead poisoning prevention in Philadelphia for almost 7 years, and can refer you to some services that may be available to you.

If you have a baby in the house (24 months and under) or if someone in your home is pregnant, you may qualify for the Lead Safe Babies program, under the National Nursing Centers Consortium. We provide free in-home primary prevention education as well as free lead testing. Call 215-731-7148 for more information.

If you have an older child (under 6 years old) you may qualify for services provided by the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program under the City of Philadelphia's Department of Public Health. Call 215-685-2332 or 215-685-2797 for more information.

Also, FYI - Most houses in Philadelphia do contain lead-based paint however most children get lead poisoning from lead DUST inside the home, not just paint chips. When lead-based paint breaks down the lead hides in dust. Even if you don't notice chipping or peeling paint, there still can be lead in your home, especially if you have old windows and doors (or "friction" areas where paint on paint contact releases lead dust into the home.) Lead dust settles on floors and window sills putting infants and young children at risk when they crawl on floors, touch window sills, and put their fingers in their mouth. Also lead can collect on toys and other surfaces that children may put in their mouth.

Another good resource for information on lead is the Alliance for Healthy Homes, they have a great website and listserve (LeadNet and HealthyHomes Net). Visit Alliance for Healthy Homes for more information.

[jet3to]

Dear Citadel,If you have no children,what is your problem? Lead poising occurs 90% with children eating the paint chips,from walls & sills.You are a tenant,this must be your first apartment.About 30 yrs ago the Navy Yard had a surplus of lead based paint,very good for the hull of ships,the recipient of the surplus lead paint was PHA who knew of the dangers it present in residential dwellings.Biggest concern of lead is the soder used to make the seal on the connections in the plumbing system,it must be 90/10-good luck in the apt,dont waste money on inspectors,spend that money on renters insurance,to protect against losses incurred threw break-ins,dont be scared,be careful not scared & you will have fun,lock up around Queens Village--project thugs are always preying on the Yuppies in QV

[OffSecond]

Citadel are you asking because you have the below clause in your lease or because you've done something to the unit that has exposed the old paint?

LEAD BASED PAINT. The Premises which are you renting was built prior to 1978. Every Tenant with any interest in residential property on which a residential building was built prior to 1978 is notified that such property may represent exposure to lead from lead-based paint that may place young children at risk of developing lead poisoning. Lead poisoning in young children may produce permanent neurological damage, including learning disabilities, reduced intelligence quotient, behavior problems and impaired memory. Lead poisoning also poses a particular problem to pregnant women. A comprehensive inspection or risk assessment may be done at tenant’s request. Within ten (10) days from the signing of this Lease, the Tenant can pay for an inspection of the property by a certified lead inspector. If the inspection discloses the lead-based paint or its hazards exist and pose a threat to the Tenant, the Tenant has two business days from date of report to terminate this lease and receive back all deposits. If Tenant does not immediately end this lease, then Tenant accepts all conditions as is. In the event that Tenant has at present date or future date children seven (7) years of age or younger residing at the leased residence, the tenant is responsible to notify the Landlord in writing of any loose, peeling or chipped paint on walls, ceiling, window or other such areas said children may occupy. The Tenant will list, in writing, such areas where said repairs are necessary. Upon notification of such repairs the Tenant shall allow the Landlord to enter dwelling to permit repairs of these areas. Tenant is responsible to prevent children from exposure to the repair area. Landlord must notify Tenant 24 hours prior to such repairs, and children may not be present during said repairs. In the event the Tenant fails to provide this information to the Landlord, or prohibits entry to said residence for repair, Landlord reserves the right to hold the Tenant in default of lease and proceed with eviction.

[seand]

There is little doubt that all paint prior to 1978 has some lead content in it. Generally the solution is to "encapuslate" it in a new layer of plain old latex. If the surfaces are intact and its not surface where its chipping off you are safe.
I would assume the apartment you are moving into had been completely repainted since then.

The concern about windows is because old wood windows rub against themselves opening and closing and there is a lot of shrinking and expanding with the weather, making them more prone to chipping.

Professional lead abatement is not rocket science. Basically whenever the old suface is not solid enough to simply recoat then the people doing the work keep everything slightly damp while doing as minimal scraping as is necessary to keep the surface is intact. That way the old paint does not become dust where it needs to be scraped. Sanding is minimized and if it is absolutely necessary, again the spray bottle to minimize dust. The area being worked on is kept isolated by hanging plastic dropcloths and cleaning and mopping all dust is scrupulous as you do the work. Obviously whenever someone is scraping or sanding they wear suitable air filters.

Like I said its not rocket science, just working smart and extra clean and not sanding or disturbing surfaces if they are not necessary.

Assuming your apartment has been repainted many, many times the chances are pretty slim of significant lead exposure as long as you aren't doing construction that disturbs the bottom layers. There is also a good chance your windows have been replaced with more efficient ones. I might do an evaluation of the apartment before going to the full scale lead testing.

Most likely there is lead paint safely encapsulated under coats and coats of non-lead paint. So yeah if the guy testing scrapes down to the bottom layer absolutely he will find some.

Also it might be worth noting you can get a very basic lead test kit at Lowes that will tell you what the top coat of paint is. Its basically just a simple chemical test that turns red if you dab it on lead paint. $5.

As je3to stated, you are actually more likely to be exposed to lead via the water system because of old pipes with lead solder or in Philadelphia water supply pipes that are still lead to this day, rather than through woodwork that has been sealed by coats and coats of new paint. As simple a step as putting a filter on your shower head will reduce your overall lead exposure dramatically, in many cases.

[macdaire]

I would feel confident that it is there! All of these houses have it and it is my understanding that it is extraordinarily expensive to strip a house of lead.
I have 3 young childrne and all have had their blood levels taken and none have had any significant lead concerns and we never had our wood stripped.
As a land lord for 8 plus years I have never had a tenant ask and most leases have the disclaimer QV posted.