Lead Testing and Lead Risk AssESSMENT

What is Lead?

Lead is a known health hazard. Human beings are exposed to lead from numerous sources, such as paint pigments, automobiles, industrial emissions, etc. While adults may suffer various ailments from excessive lead in their blood, the groups most at risk are fetuses, infants, and children under seven. Since the fetus is at risk from high blood levels in the mother, pregnant women and women of childbearing age must be aware of the hazards of high blood lead levels.

FERCAM GROUP offers consulting services that help housing authorities, other public agencies, and the private sector meet the lead abatement requirements of Federal and State legislation.

Heath Effects of Lead Poisoning

Children can easily ingest lead inside their own homes because it is all around them - paint chips, tap water, dust, and soil. Excessive blood lead levels can seriously damage a child's brain and central nervous system, hearing and speech problems, learning and behavior problems, and slow growth and development. For adult's excessive blood levels can cause high blood pressure, loss of capability, and/or physical fatigue. Lead poising can cause permit damage. For pregnant women lead detected in the blood can cause server harm to the fetus. Please know that symptoms are easily misinterpreted by medical personnel, the only sure way to determine lead poisoning is to take a Blood Lead Level (BLL) test.

Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessments and Inspections

Our expert risk assessors perform all lead-based paint risk assessments and inspections in accordance with the state, the USEPA, and/or U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations. Our inspections are conducted in residential, commercial, and/or industrial buildings using either an X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer (XRF) or the collection of bulk paint samples to accurately the concentration of lead in paint. XRF is a non-invasive, non-destructive means to determine the presence of lead in paint. Paint chip analysis is the most accurate form of identifying lead-based paint. These samples are sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at admin@fercamgroup.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Where is Lead-Based Paint Found?

Many Homes, including federally assisted, federally owned housing, and childcare facilities built before 1978 have lead-based paint. Lead can be found on interior and exterior surfaces of the home/facility, and in soil around the home/facility. Deteriorated lead-based paint, such as peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, and/or damage paint, is a serious hazard.

Can Lead-Based Paint be Safely Removed from My Home?

Yes, it can, however, it should involve certified individuals. Certified Lead renovators follow safe practices and have excellent knowledge of the rules and regulations when removing any lead-based paint. Any DIY attempts can release hazardous lead dust and may exacerbate any situation.

What Precautionary Steps Should I Take If I Suspect My Home Has Lead-Based Paint?

Maintaining a well-maintained, clean area is crucial, especially on surfaces prone to wear and tear like doors and windows. Regularly clean all floors, windowsills, and surfaces with a damp cloth or mop. Prevent children from chewing on painted surfaces to avoid ingesting potential lead-based paint. If you are concerned, you and your family have been exposed to lead the best and only way to find out is to take a Blood Lead Level (BLL) test. You can call your doctor or local health department to arrange a BLL test.