Lead Test Kits
Background
On April 22, 2008, EPA published the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, which, among other things, established performance recognition criteria for lead test kits for use as an option to determine if regulated lead-based paint is not present in target housing and child-occupied facilities. The use of an EPA-recognized lead test kit, when used by a trained professional, can reliably determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present by virtue of a negative result. The RRP Rule also established negative response and positive response criteria outlined in 40 CFR 745.88(c) for lead test kits recognized by EPA.
Lead test kits recognized before September 1, 2010, must meet only the negative response criterion outlined in 40 CFR 745.88(c)(1). The negative response criterion states that for paint containing lead at or above the regulated level, 1.0 mg/cm2 or 0.5% by weight, a demonstrated probability (with 95% confidence) of a negative response less than or equal to 5% of the time must be met. The recognition of kits that meet only this criterion will last until EPA publicizes its recognition of the first test kit that meets both of the criteria outlined in the rule.
Lead test kits recognized after September 1, 2010, must meet both the negative response and positive response criteria outlined in 40 CFR 745.88(c)(1) and (2). The positive-response criterion states that for paint containing lead below the regulated level, 1.0 mg/cm2 or 0.5% by weight, a demonstrated probability (with 95% confidence) of a positive response less than or equal to 10% of the time must be met.
Despite the EPA’s commitment of resources to this effort, to date no lead test kit has met both of the performance criteria outlined in the RRP rule. However, there are three EPA-recognized lead test kits that meet the negative response criterion and continue to be recognized by EPA.
EPA-Recognized Lead Test Kits
EPA recognizes three lead test kits for use in complying with the RRP Rule. They are the LeadCheck™, D-Lead®, and the State of Massachusetts lead test kits.
September 2024 Update on 3M™ LeadCheck™: EPA has been informed that 3M™ has sold the formulation and trademarks related to 3M™ LeadCheck™ Instant Lead Tests to Luxfer Magtech, Inc. (“Luxfer Magtech”). EPA will recognize the Leadcheck™ test kit made and distributed by Luxfer Magtech for compliance with EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting rule when used by a trained professional. For more information on Luxfer Magtech LeadCheck™ test kits, call 800-503-4483 to speak with a customer service representative. You may continue to use 3M™ LeadCheck™ test kits you may have on hand. View frequently asked questions about test kits below.
- LeadCheck™. EPA recognizes that when used by a Certified Renovator, the Luxfer Magtech LeadCheck™ lead test kit can reliably determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present on wood, ferrous metal (alloys that contain iron), or drywall and plaster surfaces. For more information on the Luxfer Magtech LeadCheck™ test kits, call 800-503-4483. Read the the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) lead test kit laboratory evaluation report. Also read the LeadCheck™ laboratory evaluation report (PDF).
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D-Lead®. Based on the results of the Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) report of vendor-submitted lead test kits, EPA recognizes that when used by a Certified Renovator, the D-Lead® paint test kit manufactured by ESCA Tech, Inc., can reliably determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present on wood, ferrous metal (alloys that contain iron), or drywall and plaster surfaces. Read the EPA environmental technology verification report on the D-Lead® test kit (PDF). Certified renovators seeking to use the D-Lead® paint test kit for purposes of meeting requirements in the RRP rule can purchase it from certain distributors and retail outlets. Locate a distributor or retailer online, or call 414-962-3006.
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State of Massachusetts. EPA recognizes that when used by trained professionals, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts lead test kit can reliably determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present on drywall and plaster; it is not recognized for use on wood and ferrous metal (alloys that contain iron) surfaces. Read the NIST lead test kit laboratory evaluation report.
Read a fact sheet on the EPA-recognized lead test kits. (pdf)
For any questions pertaining to the recognition of these kits, contact the National Lead Information Center.
Lead Test Kit Environmental Technology Verification
EPA's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program has completed its verification of the performance of four vendor-submitted lead test kits developed to meet the negative response and positive response performance criteria for improved lead test kits set forth under the 2008 RRP Rule.
Based on the ETV results, there are no kits that have met both the negative response and positive response criteria requirements; however, there is one kit that met only the negative response criterion (D-Lead®), and it was recognized for use as a negative response-only kit on August 31, 2010.
Get the individual lead test kit verification reports and a description of the ETV lead test kit verification program.
Frequent Questions about Test Kits
What is an EPA-recognized test kit?
EPA is responsible for establishing standards and sharing information that helps protect American families and children from lead exposure. As part of this responsibility, when EPA published the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, EPA established, among other things, performance recognition criteria for lead test kits for use as an option to determine if regulated lead-based paint is not present in target housing and child-occupied facilities. The use of an EPA-recognized lead test kit, when used by a trained professional, can reliably determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present by virtue of a negative result.
When a home-owner contracts an EPA-certified renovator, the renovator has several options for determining whether to use lead safe work practices. The renovator may use an EPA-recognized paint test kit, send a paint chip sample to a National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program certified lab, have testing performed by a certified inspector or risk assessor, or assume the presence of lead in pre-1978 homes and follow lead-safe work practices required by EPA regulations.
I heard another company is making the LeadCheck test kit. Is this true?
In October 2023, 3M™ announced that it had suspended the production and sale of 3M™ LeadCheck™ test kits. As of September 2024, 3M has sold the formulation and trademarks related to LeadCheck™ test kits to Luxfer Magtech, Inc. (“Luxfer Magtech”). EPA will continue to recognize the Leadcheck™ test kit made and distributed by Luxfer Magtech for compliance with EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting rule when used by a trained professional.
Can I still use 3M™ LeadCheck™ test kits I have on hand now that 3M has stopped making them?
You may continue to use 3M™ LeadCheck™ test kits you may have on hand. Consumers and renovators should check the packaging on 3M™ LeadCheck™ for any relevant expiration date to determine whether the test kit has gone past its shelf-life. You may contact Luxfer Magtech at 800-503-4483 if you have questions about when the Luxfer Magtech LeadCheck™ test kit may be available in your area.
What other test kits are recognized by EPA?
The EPA recognizes two other lead test kits that meet the requirements and negative-response criteria of the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule to help protect American families and communities: the D-Lead® Lead Paint Test Kit manufactured by ESCA Tech, Inc., and a specific lead test kit that is available for Massachusetts inspectors and risk assessors. While these lead test kits may be available to the public, EPA only recognizes tests conducted by certified inspectors, risk assessors and RRP-certified renovators.
What do I do if I can’t find one of the recognized lead test kits?
If lead-based paint is believed to be present , the best way to receive an accurate reading is by hiring a certified inspector, risk assessor or a Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule-certified renovator for specific identification of the presence and location of lead-based paint. Options for paint testing by certified professionals include an EPA-recognized paint test kit, sending a paint chip sample to a National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program certified lab, or performing X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing.
For additional questions regarding testing kits, contact the National Lead Information Center.
Are renovation firms required to test for lead-based paint before doing paint disturbing work in homes and child-care facilities built before 1978?
Firms have two options. They can either assume lead-based paint is present and follow the lead-safe work practice requirements of the RRP Rule (which requires no testing), or they can test to confirm the presence of lead. If lead-based paint is present or assumed to be present, certified renovation firms must follow lead-safe work practices and other RRP rule requirements during the renovation.
Would EPA’s renovation regulation apply if testing determined that no lead-based paint would be disturbed by a project?
Renovations in which a certified renovator, inspector or risk assessor determined in accordance with 40 CFR section 745.82(a) that no lead-based paint would be disturbed by a project are eligible for an exception from EPA’s renovation regulations. Renovators are required to keep records for three years certifying that a determination has been made that lead-based paint would not be disturbed by the project.