Advice on lead in old paint - Advice Sheet 2
Testing for lead paint
This advice sheet is intended to support the guidance given in the leaflet
Planning to decorate? Do it safely
(174 KB) - to provide more detailed information on identifying and safely
dealing with lead paint in your home.
Should I test for lead paint?
If you have any doubts about whether leaded paints have been used in the property, you can test for the presence of lead.
How can I test for lead paint?
Test kits can be used to give a simple indication of the presence of lead and are obtainable from some paint retail and trade outlets.
Samples of paint can be analysed by specialist laboratories. Analysis by a test house is essential if the intention is to remove large areas of suspect paintwork, or in refurbishment of public properties such as housing, schools and hospitals where it is especially important to clarify the potential health risk to occupants.
Alternatively, specialists with portable equipment could be brought in to detect the presence of lead whilst the paint is still in tact.
Test results may be unclear or difficult to interpret. If you are concerned that your property may have leaded paint (see Advice Sheet Number 1), it is safest simply to assume that it is present and deal with it as advised in Advice Sheet 3.
Where can I find professional test facilities?
You can find contact details for laboratories and test houses in the Yellow Pages. The UK Accreditation Service can advise on suitable test facilities, as may Local Authority Environmental Health Officers.
Where can I find out more?
More information on lead paint is available on this website in the following advice sheets (you are reading Advice Sheet 2):
- Advice Sheet 1 - Look out for lead paint
- Advice Sheet 3 - Restoration methods and safe working
- Advice Sheet 4 - Lead paint and the law
- Advice Sheet 5 - Professional help and advice
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Page last modified:
16 August 2005
Page published: 12 April 2001