Not all lead inspectors are the same; how do you know who to trust?
With the use of our XRF device (a high-tech sealed radiation source), we were able to determine that her 1951 house was lead free, inside and out, and she was eligible for the MDE330 Lead Free certificate, one-time only, forever test (lead-free is good for life and never has to be tested again).
The day before, she was ready to cancel, and called with extreme doubt why I would assert that her house might be eligible for the MDE330 Lead Free Certificate when after speaking with another inspector who told her, “100%, your house will have lead paint because it was built in 1951.” The literature says after 1949, homes are 66% likely to have lead in paint.
I said “look, here’s my deal, if I find lead, enough that it is not worth removing, there is no charge for the XRF testing, and we will switch to the Full Risk Reduction, dust sample testing.”
We met this past Saturday. Approaching, I could see all the originals windows were replaced, and the entire exterior was encapsulated, with the exception of door and frames.
I started testing what I thought were original components: original window components (sill apron frame casing), fireplace mantel, and doors and frames. All tested negative for lead based paint.
I proceeded testing from room to room testing the following: all walls, baseboard, ceiling, window components, door and door components, closets, including their door and framing, shelfs, shelf supports. Every other room/area (hallways, bathrooms, stairwells, laundry rooms)… any where there is paint, it is tested.
Two hundred and eighty seven XRF readings later, we determined and certified her house MDE330 Lead Free, because in the end, she trusted me.
