Accredited through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), AirQuest is a lead-based paint consulting business. AirQuest performs lead-based paint activities per the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines. These services include inspections, risk assessments, and clearances.
Lead-Based Paint Inspections
Our EPA-certified lead-based paint inspectors conduct inspections to determine the existence of lead-based paint through a surface-by-surface investigation of residential dwellings, child-occupied facilities, or other structures as requested by the client. These inspections are particularly helpful in identifying potential sources of lead exposure and determining whether the lead-based paint is present prior to purchasing, renting, or renovating a home/structure. In accordance with EPA requirements, the inspection includes documented methodologies and adequate quality-control measures. Samples can be read on-site with x-ray fluorescence (XRF) lead-based paint analyzer, which eliminates the need for laboratory testing, provides direct reading results on-site and avoids the potential generation of lead dust. The paint-chip samples are submitted for laboratory analysis and give definitive results acceptable to OSHA standards, allowing for confirmation of XRF readings. We provide results incorporated into a detailed report.
Risk Assessments
If needed or at the request of the client, an EPA-certified Risk Assessor can conduct a risk assessment. This includes a visual assessment of the building and paint condition. This analysis consists of a comprehensive evaluation of potential lead hazards that can come from lead-based paint, lead dust, lead-in-water, and, when applicable, lead-in-soil. We select sampling locations based on use patterns and visual observations. For example, dust samples are typically collected in the areas such as the entryway, shared spaces, the kitchen, the living room, a child’s bedroom, and playroom. Collection of samples can include locations such as floors, interior windowsills (stools), window troughs, and other surfaces suspected of contamination.
A written report will include any hazards identified as well as acceptable control measures, including interim control and abatement options. In addition, the report may include rough cost estimates of specific alternatives by building components, including the costs of reevaluation (if applicable).
Abatement Specifications, Oversight, and Contract Administration
AirQuest prepares lead-based paint abatement specifications in accordance with HUD, OSHA, state, and other client or site-specific requirements. AirQuest has experience in the development of contractor cost-estimates and the solicitation of contractor quotes based upon specifications. Specifically, tasks may include developing assessments, reviewing contractor proposals, and reviewing contractor pre-job submittals. Our experienced team can conduct abatement oversight including air monitoring for lead.
Clearance
Our EPA-certified lead-based paint inspectors can conduct clearance sampling. Per EPA requirements, clearance activities occur at least one (1) hour after completion of abatement activities. The inspector performs a visual examination to determine: (1) completion of required work, (2) control of lead-based paint hazards, and (3) confirmation of no visible settled dust, paint chips, or debris in the interior or around the exterior of the structure. This final step refers to a combined visual and quantitative environmental lead-based paint inspection to determine no hazards remain in the specified area, and occupants are no longer at risk.