Lead Testing Dallas TX

Envirocheck Lead Inspection and Testing in Dallas

Envirocheck is an expert, experienced environmental testing lab offering lead testing “near me” services at our independent laboratory in Dallas. There is no better way to protect occupants (especially children) from harm, confirm safety, avoid liability (especially for sellers and landlords), and comply with state and federal regulations as they pertain to lead exposure from old paint.

Envirocheck Lead Inspection and Testing in Dallas

Lead-Based Paint

Lead-based paint is commonly found in homes built in Texas before 1978. While its use since then has been banned, it may still be present in older buildings, especially under wallpaper or newer coats of paint. While painting over lead paint can temporarily reduce the risk it poses, it’s common for paint to break down under normal wear, tear, and the effects of time. It can also be disturbed during construction and renovation activities. If the painted surface begins to crack, flake, or chip, toxic lead dust may be released.

Lead may also be present in old water pipes.

Why Is Lead-Based Paint
a Health Hazard?

Lead is a heavy metal that was, until around 1980, prominently used in paints used for painting homes, commercial buildings, and even children’s toys. Flecks of this old paint can break off, creating and releasing lead dust.

(Many older buildings also have lead water pipes, which can contaminate tap water.)

Lead contamination is hazardous to everyone, but especially infants and young children. Exposure via inhaling, absorbing, or ingesting these particles can cause an array of health issues, including but not limited to cognitive dysfunction, hearing loss, immune dysfunction, learning disabilities, and even death. Exposed adults are vulnerable to cardiovascular, nervous system, and reproductive disorders.

This makes identifying and managing the presence of lead crucial.

Texas Lead Testing Regulations

Lead is heavily regulated throughout the USA. All states, including Texas, are obligated to provide lead-based paint inspections for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) facilities and assisted facilities. This is particularly required for buildings (including houses) constructed before 1978.

Testing water for lead may also be indicated if lead pipes are known or suspected.

When to Book Lead Testing

The safety of your home, office, childcare center, kindergarten, school, or any other indoor environment requires that you identify and mitigate the risks that lead may pose.

Undergoing a lead-based paint hazard assessment for your property is very important for:

Older buildings (built before 1978)
Before completing real estate transactions

Before renovating or remodeling
To ensure compliance

To optimize the safety of your family or tenants
For your peace of mind

The only way to know if paint contains lead is to have it tested by an accredited environmental testing lab.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I test my house for lead if I have a small child?

If your house, condo, or apartment was built before 1978, you should assume lead paint is present and book a lead inspection and test. This becomes even more important if you have an infant or child aged 6 or under.

2. How common is lead exposure in older homes?

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, almost half a million children under age 5 today in the U.S. have high levels of lead in their blood. The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that 35% of US homes (i.e. tens of millions) contain some lead-based paint (as well as old lead water pipes, which can leach lead into tap water). Buildings built before 1960 pose the greatest risk.

3. Do I need a lead inspection before buying or selling in Dallas?

While this is not legally mandated, U.S. federal law requires that sellers disclose known lead hazards and allow buyers to conduct their own inspections. If the home or other building was built before 1978, a lead test is highly recommended.

4. Do I need a lead paint test before renovating or repainting?

If the property was built before 1978, it's absolutely a good idea to assume lead is present and undergo testing for it before scraping, sanding, and repainting.