Studies have associated lead with a variety of ailments, including reproductive difficulties, kidney failure, high blood pressure, and a permanent impairment of IQ in developing children. Unfortunately, lead can be found everywhere in our environment, homes, and workplaces.

For years lead was added to gasoline, pipe solder, pottery glazes and more. Worst of all, lead was heavily employed in residential and industrial paints throughout most of the 20th century. It is estimated over 70% of the housing stock built before 1978 is contaminated with lead. In commercial applications, surface coatings often contained as much as 40% lead by weight and were used to cover everything from water tanks to floors and railings.

Building Surveys

By far the largest single source of lead exposure stems from lead-based paint. Almost any painted surface can contain dangerous levels of lead. In many cases it is hidden under several layers of clean paint. Even these hidden layers can pose a threat once paint is allowed to deteriorate.

Paradigm offers an efficient, affordable option that will allow you to assess your entire building without the need for cumbersome paint scrapings or unreliable chemical stick tests. We employ the latest in non-destructive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) technology to assess painted surfaces, taking literally hundreds of measurements in real time through multiple layers of paint. All measurements are electronically recorded on our portable instrument and downloaded directly to PCs for computer-generated reporting. Thanks to XRF technology, owners of all types of property can now afford thorough lead-based paint assessments.

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Sample Analysis

In addition to our on-site testing services, we also offer laboratory analysis of paint chips, dust wipes, soils, and drinking waters. This testing is often used to supplement the information gathered during an XRF survey. Paint chips can be used as an alternative to XRF and are often used to verify XRF readings. Wipe samples are used to assess lead-contaminated dust prior to and following renovation activities.

Analysis of soils and water supply provide information on additional sources of lead exposure. In each case samples are carefully analyzed using state-of-the-art ICP technology and EPA-specified methods, yielding data of the highest quality. As with all of our analytical services, results can be obtained in as little as 24 hours.

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Personal Air Monitoring

In 1993 OSHA amended standards covering lead to include specific protection requirements for construction workers, add an action level of 30 ug/m3, and lower the permissible exposure limit from 200 ug/m3 to50 ug/m3. This standard applies to all construction work where an employee may be occupationally exposed to lead. All work related to construction, alteration, or repair (including painting or decorating) is included.

Paradigm provides on-site personal air monitoring and laboratory analysis of air samples as required by this standard. We also provide air monitoring for manufacturing related exposures. Samples are routinely analyzed in as little as 24 hours, minimizing the wait for information critical to employee health and safety.

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Residential Risk Assessment

Because lead exposure can come from several sources, and because the route of exposure isn't always obvious, risk assessments are often required. Full risk assessments consider environmental sources of lead including lead-based paint, water supply, household dust, and food as well as lifestyle factors such as hobbies, renovation practices, and occupation.

Paradigm performs all aspects of a full risk assessment in-house. Our risk assessors are trained in EPA-certified courses and regularly take additional training to keep abreast of current regulations and technology. All on-site sampling is performed using our own highly trained field technicians, and all sample analyses are completed in our own NYSDOH-certified laboratory. With Paradigm you need only deal with one company to address all your residential lead exposure concerns.

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Building Surveys Sample Analysis Personal Air Monitoring Residential Risk Assessments