Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 1 - 15 of 27 results

• Why hasn’t the Norwood Landfill Site been identified as a Superfund Site? Two nearby landfills, Folcroft and Clearview, which were established and in use at the same time as Norwood Landfill and Dump have both been designated as Superfund sites.

  EPA is still conducting its investigation of the Norwood Landfill Site to determine if it should be placed on the National Priorities List (NPL), or Superfund List. Thus far, the data collected has not demonstrated that the site warrants placement on the NPL. Both the Folcroft and Clearview Landfills went…

  • Last published: March 15, 2024

• What is Vermiculite?

  Vermiculite is the mineralogical name given to hydrated laminar magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate that resembles mica in appearance. All vermiculite ores contain a range of other minerals that were formed along with the vermiculite in the rock. Vermiculite ores from some sources have been found to contain asbestos minerals but asbestos is…

  • Last published: April 23, 2024

• When testing a work area, does one lead test kit or paint chip sample suffice for any single component?

  The certified renovator is only required to use one lead test kit or paint chip sample for each component, even if the surface of the component is extensive (e.g., a large wall). Question Number: 23002-23865 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

  • Last published: November 21, 2024

• Can a homeowner use an EPA-recognized lead test kit to check for lead-based paint?

  Answer: A number of lead test kits are available for consumer purchase in most retail hardware stores; however, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that consumers should exercise caution when using these lead test kits to evaluate consumer products for potential lead exposures. Find more information online . To…

  • Last published: November 21, 2024

• How can I obtain D-Lead® test kits?

  The D-Lead® test kits are available for purchase from certain distributors and retail outlets. Locate a distributor or retailer online , email [email protected] or call 414-962-3006. Question Number: 23002-16390 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

  • Last published: November 21, 2024

• Is lead paint testing required under the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule?

  No. A firm can either assume lead-based paint is present and follow the requirements of the RRP Rule (which requires no testing), or test and if lead-based paint is found follow the requirements of the regulation. Question Number: 23002-32338 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to…

  • Last published: November 21, 2024

• What is a site assessment and what is the difference between a site assessment and a site investigation?

  The first step of the site assessment process is known as a preliminary assessment (PA). This assessment gathers historical and other readily available information on site conditions and surroundings to evaluate whether the site poses a potential threat to human health and the environment and/or whether further investigation is needed…

  • Last published: March 1, 2024

• What lead test kits are recognized by EPA?

  Answer: EPA recognizes three lead test kits for use in complying with the negative response criterion of the RRP rule. They are the Luxfer Magtech LeadCheck TM kit (for use on ferrous metal, plaster, drywall and wood), the State of Massachusetts kit (for use on drywall, plaster), and the D-Lead®…

  • Last published: January 13, 2025

• Does EPA recognize the Luxfer Magtech LeadCheckTM test kit for use on red paint?

  Yes. EPA recognizes this lead test kit for use on any color paint as long as the lead test kit is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Note: 3M has sold the formulation and trademarks related to the 3M™ LeadCheck™ test kits to Luxfer Magtech. EPA recognizes the LeadCheck™…

  • Last published: January 13, 2025

• Why did EPA wait so long to begin its investigation of the Norwood Landfill and Old Norwood Dump?

  In the months leading up to the preliminary assessment, EPA gathered information on the property to determine whether a site investigation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) was warranted. EPA determined to proceed with an investigation and EPA began procuring contractor services to conduct the preliminary…

  • Last published: March 1, 2024

• What is the key question EPA tries to answer through a site investigation?
  
  

  Findings of the site investigation determine what hazardous substances may be present, whether they may be released to the environment, and any potential threat to human health. Information about the site that is collected in the preliminary assessment and site investigation phase helps EPA to evaluate the risks posed by…

  • Last published: March 4, 2024

• What are some uses of Vermiculite?

  Vermiculite has been used in various industries for over 80 years. It is used in the construction, agricultural, horticultural and industrial markets. Examples of products that contain vermiculite include potting soil mixes, loose fill insulation, and packing material. For more information, visit the EPA webpage: Protect Your Family from Asbestos-Contaminated…

  • Last published: April 23, 2024

• If a certified renovator using an EPA-recognized lead test kit or paint chip sampling determines that the components that will be affected by a renovation are free of lead-based paint, can a firm that does not have RRP certification do the actual renovation work? What record-keeping requirements would apply?

  Where a certified renovator performs paint chip sampling or uses an EPA-recognized lead test kit following the lead test kit manufacturer’s instructions, tests each component affected by the renovation, and determines that the components are free of paint or other surface coatings that contain lead at regulated levels, the renovation…

  • Last published: November 4, 2024

• Is it true that the lead test kits that were recognized by EPA before September 1, 2010, are no longer recognized since that date?

  No. The lead test kits that were recognized by EPA before September 1, 2010 did not automatically lose their recognition on September 1, 2010. As discussed in the 2008 Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule , prior to September 1, 2010, manufacturers seeking recognition of their lead test kit…

  • Last published: November 21, 2024

• I am an EPA-certified lead risk assessor. Can I use an EPA-recognized lead test kit when assessing whether or not a pre-1978 home contains lead-based paint for purposes of the RRP Rule?

  Answer: Yes. In addition to a certified renovator, a person certified by EPA as a risk assessor or lead inspector may use an EPA-recognized lead test kit to determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present in a home. Such a report can also be used to confirm that the…

  • Last published: January 13, 2025