Lead Clearance Examination – Capstone of Lea...
The ultimate goal of any lead abatement project is the permanent elimination of all lead hazards. The final 
evaluation of the lead abatement project is a clearance examination. Most people think only of deteriorated paint when they hear someone talking about lead abatement. While paint that is in poor condition can certainly be an issue, it is well documented that the lead contaminated dust is the most common cause for childhood lead poisoning.
Lead contaminated dust result from:
- Lead paint that is deteriorated
- Lead paint that is subjected to impact
- Lead paint that is subjected to friction
- Improper renovation or remodeling activities
- Tracking from bare lead contaminated soil
- Improper or incomplete post lead hazard control/abatement clean up
An experienced and certified risk assessor can identify those areas where lead paint is being subjected to friction and impact. They will also identify any lead painted components that exhibit signs that a child may be chewing on them. The results of the paint assays, dust wipe and soil samples (if required) can be found in the risk assessment report along with the risk assessor’s recommendations for treating all the identified lead hazards that were found. These recommendations should be the starting point for developing lead abatement project specifications.
Lead abatement in target housing is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In section 402 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) EPA defines target housing thusly:
“…any housing constructed prior to 1978, except housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities (unless any one or more children age 6 years or under resides or is expected to reside in such housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities) or any 0-bedroom dwelling.”
The rule requires all persons working on these type of projects be trained by an accredited training provider and be EPA certified. Additionally these individuals must work for an EPA certified firm.
This can be achieved by utilizing any of four EPA approved methods or a combination of them. Prior to re-occupancy the completed project must have a clearance examination performed be an EPA certified inspector or risk assessor. The approved methods include:
- Removal of lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust
- Replacement of lead-painted surfaces or fixtures and removal or covering of lead-contaminated soil
- Permanent Enclosure of lead-based paint*
- Permanent Encapsulation of lead-based paint *
* Use of these methods requires enclosures and encapsulants. HUD has specific testing requirements for encapsulants (See Chapter 13 of the HUD Guidelines)