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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is lead dust testing, and why is it important?
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Lead dust testing checks for the presence of lead particles in household dust. It's crucial for identifying hidden lead hazards, especially in homes built before 1978. Lead exposure can cause serious health issues, especially in children and pregnant women.

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2. Who needs lead dust testing?
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You may need lead dust testing if:

  • You own or rent a property built before 1978.

  • You are a landlord preparing a rental property for compliance with Philadelphia’s Lead Disclosure & Certification Law.

  • Renovation, repair, or painting work was done in a pre-1978 home.

  • You want peace of mind before buying, selling, or leasing a property.​

 
3. Is lead dust testing required by law in Philadelphia?
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Yes. Under Philadelphia's law, rental properties built before 1978 must be certified lead-safe or lead-free before a new tenant moves in. Landlords must provide a valid Lead Safe Certificate to the tenant and the City’s Department of Public Health.

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4. What’s the difference between lead-safe and lead-free?
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  • Lead-safe means the property does not have hazardous levels of lead dust at the time of testing.

  • Lead-free means there is no lead-based paint in the home (confirmed by inspection or abatement).​

 
5. What does a lead dust inspection include?
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A certified technician will:

  • Collect dust wipe samples from floors and windowsills.

  • Submit the samples to an EPA-accredited laboratory.

  • Provide a detailed report with results and compliance status.

 
6. How long does the testing take?
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On-site sample collection typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on the property size. Results and documentation are usually available within 2–3 business days.

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7. What happens if my property fails the test?
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If your property does not pass:

  • You’ll receive a report outlining which areas failed.

  • You will need to conduct cleaning or remediation.

  • A clearance re-test can be scheduled once the space is properly cleaned.

 
8. Are your inspectors certified?
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Yes. All inspections are performed by EPA-certified Lead Dust Sampling Technicians, following HUD and EPA guidelines, as well as Philadelphia’s local regulations.

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9. How much does lead dust testing cost?
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Prices vary by the size of the property and number of samples required. For a standard one-bedroom rental unit, pricing starts around $199. Contact us for a custom quote.

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10. How do I prepare for a lead dust test?
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Before the appointment:

  • Do not clean or vacuum for at least 2 hours prior to testing.

  • Ensure all surfaces are dry and accessible.

  • Inform your tenants in advance (if applicable).​

 
11. Do you offer rush or same-day service?
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Yes. We offer rush services for an additional fee, including same-day or next-day appointments when available. Please call or text us directly to schedule, or indicate rush service request on a booking form.

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12. What areas do you serve?
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We serve Philadelphia, Main Line, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County.

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13. How do I schedule an inspection?
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You can:

 
14. Is someone required to be home during the inspection?
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No, but if the inspector will be entering without supervision, you must sign our access and liability disclaimer in advance. We respect your property and privacy and follow strict professional conduct while on-site.

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