Question 1

Do homes in Stanwood area have lead paint?

Accepted Answer

Many older homes in the Stanwood, Arlington, Marysville, and surrounding areas were built before the 1978 ban on lead-based paint and may still contain lead paint on interior and exterior surfaces. The risk is highest in homes built before 1960, when lead paint was used most heavily. Even homes built between 1960 and 1978 may have lead paint in certain applications. Professional testing is the only way to confirm whether lead is present.

Question 2

What is the EPA RRP Rule?

Accepted Answer

The EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requires that contractors performing renovation, repair, or painting work that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities must be EPA-certified and follow specific lead-safe work practices. This includes proper containment, minimizing dust creation, and thorough cleanup. The rule applies to all renovation contractors, not just those specifically performing lead abatement. Absolute Asbestos provides RRP-certified lead testing to help contractors and homeowners comply with these requirements.

Question 3

Can I test for lead myself with a home test kit?

Accepted Answer

While consumer lead test kits are available, they have significant limitations in accuracy and cannot provide the quantitative results needed for regulatory compliance or informed decision-making. False negatives are possible, especially with certain paint formulations. Professional testing using XRF analyzers or laboratory analysis of paint chip samples provides accurate, defensible results. For any renovation project on a pre-1978 home, professional testing is strongly recommended.

Lead Testing FAQs

Lead Testing FAQs

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