Why 1978 matters
In 1978, the federal government banned the sale of lead-based paint for use in homes. EPA says that if your home was built before 1978, it is more likely to have lead-based paint.
Inspection or risk assessment
EPA describes two kinds of professional lead checks. A lead-based paint inspection tells you whether a building has lead-based paint and where it is. A risk assessment tells you whether there are lead hazards from paint, dust, or soil, and what to do about them. Some homes get both.
How your partner checks
Your partner decides how to check the paint: reading it on the wall with a portable instrument, taking paint chip samples for its lab, collecting dust wipes, or a mix of these.
Test before you sand
EPA warns that renovation or repair work that disturbs painted surfaces in older homes may create large amounts of lead dust. Have the paint checked before sanding, scraping, or demolition starts.
Who can test
In California, the people who do lead inspections and risk assessments hold a CDPH lead certification from the state's Department of Public Health. Ask your partner for the person's CDPH certification and look it up.
Not a medical test
This guide covers paint, dust, and soil in a home. Blood lead testing is a question for a doctor or your county health department.
How Request a tester works
Let us know roughly when the home was built and what work you're planning, plus the ZIP. Where a partner is available for that ZIP, we hand the request over. The partner follows up, quotes the work, and bills you.
Save at least $100 with the Top Test Connect service credit.
Credit applies when you book with the partner testing company we match you with. One credit per request, no cash value.
No obligation. You never have to use the tester we match you with.
Questions
Should I test for lead paint before I renovate?
If the home was built before 1978 and the work will disturb paint, a test first tells you what you're dealing with. Anyone paid to do that work in a pre-1978 home generally has to follow EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting rule.
Do I have to use the tester you match me with?
No obligation. You never have to use the tester we match you with.