Lead Inspection and Testing Services

Lead Inspection and Lead Testing 
in Chicago

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    Lead is a common environmental hazard in Chicago commercial and residential buildings. It is a toxic metal that can cause significant health issues, mental illness or even death when ingested or inhaled. Because of the serious consequences of lead exposure, many laws have been enacted to address lead contamination, including EPA and OSHA regulations. 

    The most common ways people are exposed to lead are through drinking contaminated water, inhaling lead particles in the air and ingesting lead dust or flakes, especially in the form of lead-based paint. When old paint deteriorates or is disturbed through sanding or demolition, lead dust or flakes are easily released into the air and collect on interior surfaces. They also can make their way into the soil. 

    Many Chicago buildings and apartments built prior to 1978 contain lead-based paint, putting occupants at risk for high lead exposure. Because older water supply pipes also can contain the metal, lead inspections in Chicago often reveal its presence in domestic water supplies. Children are especially at risk, but anyone can be affected by lead in the home or workplace. 

    When Should You Test Your Facility for Lead? 

    Lead testing in Chicago is routinely done during real estate transactions, as part of the due diligence process. Lead-safe work practices also are advised before renovation or demolition of any facility built before 1978, and are required for homes and child-occupied facilities such as day care facilities and schools. 

    Lead inspection and testing will reveal whether the metal is present. If it is detected, any work on the building should be preceded by lead abatement. Chicago is known to have a high incidence of lead in its older residential and commercial buildings, including paint and domestic water pipes. 

    Lead testing is the only way to determine whether lead is present in a home or workplace, and is an important precaution to safeguard human health. Lead inspection, testing, abatement, and/or lead paint removal in Chicago also can protect property owners from liability regarding potential future lead exposure in workers and occupants. And, in many cases, it is required by law.

    Trusted Chicago Lead Inspection Experts for More Than 25 Years

    Environmental Consulting Group (ECG) provides a variety of professional environmental services related to lead contamination:
    • Lead-based paint testing — Lead paint presents a potential health risk for all occupants, especially children and construction workers. We can help you determine the presence and location of lead-containing paint within a particular facility.
    • Lead testing for water supplies — Testing water from your drinking water fixtures is important. While public water supplies may meet all public health standards for lead, elevated concentrations may exist at the tap due to lead-contaminated plumbing components in your facility.
    • Airborne lead testing — Testing indoor air for the presence of lead ensures that lead levels in the work area meet OSHA standards. Maintaining a high standard of indoor air quality often improves productivity as well as protecting worker health. 
    For all lead projects, ECG utilizes Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)-licensed lead inspectors and lead risk assessors. We have conducted hundreds of Section 8 lead-based paint inspections and lead-wipe clearance tests in full compliance with HUD regulations. We have also conducted hundreds of lead-based paint inspections utilizing ECG’s X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument in compliance with HUD regulations.

    Need Lead Testing for Your Chicago Facility? 

    We can help you determine exactly which lead inspection services you need, and how best to address your specific lead-related issues to ensure safety and compliance — while still remaining cost-effective. To learn more about our environmental lead services in Chicago, fill out the form below to request a free consultation. 

    ECG employee conducting lead inspection
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