Lead in Paint Chips
In infants and children, lead can cause delays in physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. In adults, kidney problems as well as high blood pressure.
Lead in paint chips is an EPA regulated parameter. The following is the test result action limit set by the EPA: <0.5% (with paint chip sample of all layers) or less than 5000 ppm.
Qualified lead assessors from local health departments, IDOH Lead & Healthy Homes Division or IDEM.
No cost for investigations by local health departments, IDEM or other state agencies and institutions.
See ASTM Practice E1729 and/or pertinent HUD publications for specific sampling requirements.
Samples are only accepted from divisions of the Indiana Department of Health, state government agencies or local health departments.
Questions: Contact Quincy Bell, Qbell@health.in.gov or 317-921-5559
Submit paint in a resealable plastic bag or hard-walled containers. If using plastic bags, please double bag.
- Try to include all paint layers.
- Try not to include the underlying substrate (like the wallboard).
- Try to sample a sufficiently large portion to permit several analyses; the minimum sample size is 2 grams (approximately a teaspoon full).
- Identify each sample at each location. Simple numbering is best.
- Include a completed Paint Chip Sample Submission Form. Record any deviations from this sampling procedure.
Place sample container(s) in an appropriate shipping box or padded envelope. Bring/ship to:
IDOH Laboratory
Attn: Environmental Lead
550 W. 16th St. - Suite B
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Refrigeration is not required. Samples should be received within 14 days of collection.
Routine samples will be reported within 10 business days from receipt.
