Analytical Services to Comply with the New EPA Lead Standards for Dust on Floors and Window Sills

Earlier this summer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler, along with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson, announced tighter standards for lead in dust on floors and window sills to protect children from the harmful effects of lead exposure.

The tougher EPA standards update the existing benchmarks that were established in 2001. They are set to go into effect later this year and lower the dust-lead hazard standards from 40 micrograms of lead per square foot (µg/ft²) to 10 µg/ft² on floors and from 250 µg/ft² to 100 µg/ft² on window sills.

The new standards are important as lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint are considered to be some of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children according to the EPA. The agency goes on to state that infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They can be exposed from multiple sources and may experience irreversible and life-long health effects. Lead dust can be generated anytime lead-based paints deteriorate or are disturbed.

“When these more protective dust-lead hazard standards go into effect later this year they will apply to inspections, risk assessments and abatement activities in pre-1978 housing and certain schools, child care facilities and hospitals,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL we applaud these tougher lead standards. As one of the largest lead testing laboratories in North America, we are available to help clients with the updated standards. In addition to offering lead testing from dust, EMSL also provides analysis of paint chips, bulk materials, air, soil, water and other matrices. Testing not only protects children and adults, it is essential for avoiding potentially costly noncompliance penalties.”

To learn more about lead or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail