Residential Lead Services
Lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health when ingested or inhaled. Because lead is stored in the bones and released into the bloodstream at a later time, even small doses can accumulate and become significant. Fetuses and young children tend to be most vulnerable to lead. Paint is one of the most widely known products that formerly contained lead. Legislation halting the production of paint with over a 0.06% lead content has successfully reduced the amount of lead released into the environment. However, an estimated three million tons of lead remains in 57 million American homes. ECG provides a variety of professional environmental services related to lead contamination. ECG can test for lead in domestic water systems and paint. LEAD-BASED PAINT INSPECTIONS | DOMESTIC WATER TESTING FOR LEAD | RESIDENTIAL AIRBORNE LEAD TESTING  LEAD-BASED PAINT INSPECTIONS
Lead-based paint testing is conducted to determine the presence and location of lead-containing paint within a particular facility. For a typical lead-based paint inspection, ECG uses a Niton XLp X-ray fluorescence (XRF) lead analyzer to determine the presence of lead-based paint. ECG's inspections follow the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines.
In the state of Illinois, lead-based paint is regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) under the Lead Poisoning Prevention Code (effective February 1, 1993). This code defines a lead bearing substance as containing greater than one milligram of lead per square centimeter. When an inspection reveals that building materials are positive for lead-based paint, the owner has several options. During demolition, for example, lead-based paint materials can be disposed of as general construction debris. However, if the lead-based paint is in poor condition (peeling and flaking) and the materials will remain in the building, the peeling and flaking paint should be removed (mitigated) by licensed lead contractors. For residential areas, a higher standard of care should be used to minimize any potential health complications. For example, developers often completely remove all lead-based paint from interior surfaces to eliminate lead exposure hazards. A typical residential lead-based paint inspection costs $450. Prices are subject to change based on location and property size. To schedule a lead-based paint inspection, contact an ECG representative at 312.663.3900. DOMESTIC WATER TESTING FOR LEAD
Lead can get into your drinking water in two ways. It can be present in the water from the treatment plant, or the water source. It can also enter when water corrodes lead-containing plumbing materials in a house or building, causing lead particles from the pipes to flow into the drinking water. Most sources of drinking water have no lead or very low levels of lead (under 5 parts per billion). However, lead naturally occurs in the ground and in some instances, can get into well water and municipal water supplies. Lead from these sources can be easily removed by existing treatment plant technologies. Most lead enters drinking water after the water leaves the local treatment plant or private well and comes into contact with plumbing materials containing lead. Some lead may get into the water from the distribution system, which is the network of pipes that carry the water to homes, businesses, and schools in the community. However, interior plumbing, soldered joints, and various drinking water outlets that contain lead materials are the primary contributors of lead in drinking water. Testing water from your drinking water outlets is important because even though your public water supplier may send you water that meets all federal and state public health standards for lead, you may end up with too much lead in your drinking water as a result of the plumbing in your facility. To schedule a domestic water test for lead, contact an ECG representative at 312.663.3900. RESIDENTIAL AIRBORNE LEAD TESTING
ECG is experienced in providing airborne lead testing during lead abatement projects. During the removal process, lead is often released into the air as chipped paint is removed from the affected surfaces. Airborne lead testing is conducted to ensure that lead levels in the work area meet Occupational Safely and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. In 1978, OSHA set a new standard for airborne lead exposure of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m3). In 1993, OSHA set an Action Level for construction workers in lead abatement areas at 30 µg/m3. Typically, air samples are collected with low volume air sampling pumps and sampling cassettes that are equipped with a 37 mm MCE filter and a 0.8 micrometer nominal pore size. Air is drawn through the cassettes and airborne lead particles are impacted onto the filters. The filters are then analyzed to determine the airborne lead exposure. If you are concerned about airborne lead in your facility, contact ECG at 312.663.3900.
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