New York State Licenses ACS for the Use of X-Ray Florescence Equipment
ACS can test your painted surfaces with a non-destructive instrument called an X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer for immediate results on whether the area contains lead paint.
We can also implement a thorough testing program that will include your water, exterior surfaces and the soil, which are all areas of concern to the health and safety of our children. ACS implements EPA/HUD standards, which is the accepted method and protocol utilized when dealing with lead based paint.
What is Lead?
Lead is a toxic heavy metal found in mineral deposits in the earth’s crust. The most widespread source of lead today for U.S. children is in lead paint that remains in older buildings. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 80 percent of homes built before 1978, or roughly 64 million, contain lead paint. The federal government banned lead based paint from housing in 1978.
Disturbance of lead paint can create a hazard. If you are planning on doing a renovation, remodeling, or repainting, you should have testing done beforehand to prevent any environmental hazards.
Facts About Lead
Did You Know?
- Lead is virtually indestructible and is non-biodegradable
- HUD estimates that 75% of the houses built in the United States before 1978 contain some leadbased paint
- In 1991, the Secretary of HUD characterized lead poisoning as the “number one environmental threat to the health of children in the United States”
- The presence of lead based paint in housing represents the most significant hazard remaining for lead poisoning, particularly for young children
EPA is playing a major role in addressing these residential lead hazards. In 1978, there were nearly three to four million children with elevated blood lead levels in the United States. By 2002, that number had dropped to 310,000 kids, and it continues to decline.
ACS can help you determine if lead represents a hazard in your home or office.
The Lead Law
What Is New York City’s Lead Law?
Local Law 1 of 2004 is a comprehensive law concerning the prevention of childhood lead poisoning through the remediation of lead paint hazards in housing and day care facilities. Certified Lead Workers are required for all work on surfaces of 2 – 100 square feet in apartments and common areas of building where children under seven reside and Abatement Contractors are required when work exceeds 100 square feet per room in apartments with children. This includes routine apartment painting in most cases. Dry scraping and other unsafe work practices are prohibited in all cases. All lead based paint hazards, including the mere presence of lead based paint on friction and impact surfaces, must be remediated on turnover of an apartment. Dust clearance testing by an independent certified lead inspector or risk assessor is required after all work in apartments with children; work in common areas and work on turnover.
Recently, the EPA, HPD, and New York City have changed regulations for Lead and have lowered acceptable standards. All agencies are fully enforcing lead guidelines and violations are on the rise. Now is the time to make sure your Day Care Facility, Building, or Office is within compliance. Schedule a dust wipe sampling and lead water assessment immediately.
