Lead

On April 22, 2010, the EPA issued a federal mandate requiring contractors renovating, repairing or painting structures built before 1978, to test for lead and employ lead-safe practices. At AST, we know that every lead remediation situation is unique. That's why we tailor a plan to fit every client's specific needs, then discuss the methods and their advantages so that you are informed of the best industry practices to balance your safety and cost goals.

Inspection

Lead-based paint is a serious health risk. If you reside in or own a structure built prior to 1978, thereis a good chance that you have lead-based paint. However, not all lead-based paint is dangerous. Only a licensed lead-based paint inspector can determine what is and is not dangerous to youor your employees.

AST will inspect the following:

Peeling, chipping or chalking paint

Soil samples

Water samples

Dust samples from windows, floors and other surfaces

Once your inspection is complete, and it is determined there is a hazardous lead-paint issue, testing will be conducted to provide a riskassessment report.

Please contact us if you are uncertain whether you are dealing with a lead issue, or if you are ready to schedule your inspection today.

Testing

AST uses only NVLAP & AIHA Accredited Laboratories, and test air, soil and surface samples.

Different lab accreditation needed. Environmental Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELLAP)

AST will test the following:

Peeling, chipping or chalking paint

Soil samples

Water samples

Dust samples from windows, floors and other surfaces

For immediate results, our AST lead-certified employees can test your paint with an XRF (x-ray fluorescence) machine that can see through a surface and tell if lead paint is present.

A risk assessment report will tell you if paint condition, lead dust levels and lead in soil levels in your structure represent a hazard and what options will balance your safety and cost goals.

Remediation

Once your level of risk is determined, AST will provide you with a detailed plan of attack for either interim controls or abatement.

Repair usually involves either sealing or covering lead-based material.

Sealing (Encapsulation) is typically the least complicated and most affordable method, encapsulation involves brushing or rolling on a HUD and EPA approved specially made coating that creates a watertight bond and seals in the lead-based paint.

Covering (Enclosure) method covers the old surface with a new one, such as putting up new drywall or covering windowsills with aluminum or vinyl cladding.

There are a variety of approaches used to remove lead-based paints, such as chemical removal, high-pressure waterblasting removal, sandblasting removal or component removal. Our lead-based experts will determine the best removal processfor your situation.

Please contact us for more information on our remediation procedures, or to schedule an appointment with one of our trained professionals.