Industry Leading Services
LEAD TESTING
Prior to demolition, renovation, improvement, or repair of any suspect construction material or painted surface within a structure, such as homes, multi-family units, commercial buildings, or public and private facilities, lead testing is imperative. Initial Lead testing is required and enforced by multiple federal, state, and local laws, standards, and regulations.
LEAD WORK
Lead work is performed when the intention of the lead work is for repair, renovation or painting. Lead work is performed by a lead renovation, repair and painting certified firm (RRP) as well as a lead certified abatement contractor. The rules on which firm to use can be complicated, please make sure you have a certified lead consultant like RegasGroup to answer these questions and more.
LEAD ABATEMENT
Lead abatement is performed when the intention is to remove or encapsulate a lead hazard. Lead abatement must be conducted utilizing certified lead workers. Lead workers are required to be certified by multiple federal, state, and local laws, standards, and regulations. These laws are strictly enforced to protect worker safety.
LEAD CLEARANCE
Lead clearance sampling is required when lead work and lead abatement is performed in residential and commercial properties. Types of clearance and criteria depend on type of work performed and intent. Make sure you have a certified lead consultant like RegasGroup to answer these questions and more.
About Lead
Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the earth’s crust. While it has some beneficial uses, it can be toxic to humans and animals, causing many adverse health effects. Its widespread use has led to extensive environmental contamination and significant public health issues worldwide.
Lead can be found in all parts of our environment – the air, soil, water, and even inside our homes. Much of our exposure comes from human activities in conjunction with the use of fossil fuels including past use of leaded gasoline, some types of industrial facilities and past use of lead-based paint in homes. Lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products found in and around our homes, including paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, solders, gasoline, batteries, ammunition, and cosmetics.
Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Babies and young children can also be more highly exposed to lead because they often put their hands and other objects that can have lead from dust or soil on them, into their mouths. Children may also be exposed to lead by eating and drinking food or water containing lead or from dishes or glasses that contain lead, inhaling lead dust from lead-based paint or lead-contaminated soil or from playing with toys with lead-based paint.
Adults may be exposed to lead by eating and drinking food or water containing lead or from dishes or glasses that contain lead. They may also breathe lead dust by spending time in areas where lead-based paint is deteriorating, and during renovation or repair work that disturbs painted surfaces in older homes and buildings. Working in a job or engaging in hobbies where lead is used, such as making stained glass, can increase exposure as can certain folk remedies containing lead. A pregnant woman’s exposure to lead from these sources is of particular concern because it can result in exposure to her developing baby.
Health Effects in Children
Lead exposure can profoundly impact brain development and the nervous system.
Children exposed to lead may experience delayed growth and development
Lead poisoning can lead to behavioral and learning difficulties.
Lead exposure may affect hearing and speech.
Irritability | Loss of Appetite | Weight Loss | Sluggishness and Fatigue | Abdominal Pain | Vomiting | Constipation | Hearing Loss | Seizures
Health Effects in Adults
Blood lead levels greater than 15 μg/dL are associated with cardiovascular issues.
Lead exposure can harm the nervous system.
Long-term exposure to lead can damage the kidneys.
Lead may adversely affect fertility, including delayed conception and sperm-related issues.
Health Effects in Pregnant Women
High levels of lead exposure during pregnancy can result in Miscarriage, Stillbirth, Premature Birth, Low Birth Rate and other complications.
Sources and Routes of Lead Exposure
People can be exposed to lead through occupational and environmental sources. Common routes of exposure are listed belowLead particles generated during activities like smelting, recycling, and stripping lead paint.
Consuming lead-contaminated dust, water (from leaded pipes), and food (from lead-glazed or lead-soldered containers).
Young children, especially, absorb 4–5 times as much ingested lead as adults from a given source. Their curiosity often leads to mouthing and swallowing lead-containing objects.
Children with a psychological disorder called pica may even eat lead paint from walls, door frames, and furniture
Lead...Where is It?
Homes, commercial buildings, industrial sites, and structures in general used lead paint for interior and exterior walls and components. While Lead paint is the main suspect in lead contamination and exposure in the workplace, lead can also be found in ceramic tiles, Formica, linoleum, and other building materials. Lead Paint is also the primary source for exposure in children 6 and under. Be sure to contact a professional consulting firm such as RegasGroup to address any concerns or questions you may have.
Industry Leading Difference
RegasGroup has changed the industry by providing same day inspections to keep your project moving forward. Call today to speak with an environmental consultant that can help answer your questions and get your job scheduled on your timeline.
Our same day results will give you one less thing to worry about. Utilizing our in-house NVLAP accredited lab MicroTest, RegasGroup is able to deliver same day results with peace of mind!
In order to move forward with your project, a full and concise report is imperative. RegasGroup will provide you with a detailed report ensuring you have the proper documentation to keep your project moving forward.
Utilizing laboratory trained and proficient environmental consultants, RegasGroup performs on-site clearances and post abatement verification for asbestos abatement. This allows for the abatement process to be completed in a timelier manner, allowing you or your contractor to access the site to start repairs immediately.