Lead Based Paint Testing & Lead Hazard Risk Assessment in Orange County & Anaheim
Walk into an older Orange County and Anaheim home and you're stepping into a space with a story, sometimes one that's hidden beneath layers of paint—lead doesn't show itself, but it lingers in homes built before 1978, tucked away in walls, windowsills, and the dust that settles where children play. Testing isn't a shot in the dark—it's the only way to know what's really there before anyone's health is on the line, and a risk assessment maps out exactly where lead hazards exist and how severe they've become. We handle the testing, document every finding, and lay out a clear path forward, no speculation, just facts.
Why Our Testing Protects Your Home
For families, the stakes are real—lead exposure hits hardest in young children, affecting their development and behavior in ways that can last, and pregnant women and their babies face their own set of risks. CES assists concerned homeowners in determining whether lead-based paint is present in their homes prior to renovation or construction activities that may disturb suspected lead-based paint, utilizing an X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrum Analyzer to test quickly and accurately without damaging surfaces. Our testing process gives you hard numbers and clear answers, finding problems before they become bigger issues and giving you the information you need to act with confidence.
Why a Lead Hazard Risk Assessment is Important
Health Protection
Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, especially in young children, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues. It’s also a risk for pregnant women and adults, potentially leading to high blood pressure, kidney damage, and other health issues.
Compliance with Regulations
Property owners may be required to perform a risk assessment under certain circumstances, such as selling or renting out older properties, especially where children are present.
Preventative Measure
It’s a proactive way to identify and address lead hazards before renovation, construction, or other activities that may disturb lead-containing materials.
Lead Paint Sampling & Testing
Paint
The assessor tests surfaces (walls, windows, doors, etc.) that may contain lead-based paint, often using methods like X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) or laboratory testing.
Dust
Dust samples are taken from floors, windowsills, and other surfaces to check for lead contamination, which can pose a health risk if inhaled or ingested.
Soil
The assessor may also test the soil around the property, as exterior lead-based paint can contaminate the ground over time.
Pinpointing Where Lead Lurks
When lead moves, it doesn't announce itself. Instead, it travels through dust, paint chips, and even the soil outside. We focus on the places where lead is most likely to show up and where children spend their time, making sure nothing gets overlooked in Orange County and Anaheim neighborhoods.
- Window Frames and Sills: Opening and closing windows grinds old paint into dust that settles nearby, right where kids' hands land.
- Doorways and Trim: Every time a door swings, painted surfaces rub and release particles that drift onto floors and furniture.
- Walls and Baseboards: High-traffic areas with peeling or chipped paint create dust that spreads across rooms.
- Exterior Surfaces: Porches, railings, and siding break down over time, sending lead into the soil around your home's foundation.
- Cabinets and Built-Ins: Kitchens and bathrooms in older homes often hide layers of lead-based paint beneath newer finishes.
We go beyond just paint. Dust on floors, windowsills, and other surfaces gets tested, as does soil near the exterior. A thorough risk assessment means every spot where exposure could happen is checked and documented.
Our Comprehensive Lead Hazard Risk Assessment
Condol's Environmental Services provides a depth evaluation designed to identify potential lead hazards in homes, buildings, or other properties, particularly those built before 1978 when lead-based paint was commonly used. With each property, the process starts with a detailed visual inspection where we examine the property to identify deteriorating paint, dust, soil, and other conditions that could indicate potential lead exposure risks, noting the home's age, the state of painted surfaces, and where children spend their time. Peeling paint, friction points, and dust buildup all get our attention because these are the places where lead hides.
The assessor evaluates where and how lead exposure could occur, such as areas with deteriorating paint or high levels of lead dust, including determining whether children or vulnerable populations live in or frequent the property. Samples come next—paint chips, dust wipes, and soil if needed—with each one going to a certified lab for precise analysis that produces exact numbers, not rough calculations. We measure those numbers against EPA and California standards, so you know whether action is needed and where to focus your efforts.
Detailed Reporting and Clear Recommendations
After testing, CES provides a comprehensive report that includes the test results, color, substrate, and the location of each paint sample tested. The detailed report also includes:
- The locations of lead hazards
- The condition of lead-containing materials
- The levels of lead in paint, dust, and soil
- Recommendations for addressing the identified lead hazards, which may include remediation, stabilization of deteriorating paint, or soil treatment
Recommendations for containment, cleanup, or abatement are included, so you're never left wondering what comes next for your Orange County and Anaheim property.
What Happens After Testing
Once the facts are in, it's time for a plan—some situations require professional abatement, while others can be managed with encapsulation, specialized cleaning, or interim controls that keep exposure down until full removal is possible. After the results come in, you get a clear action plan that spells out which areas need immediate attention and the best methods for your property. We don't handle abatement ourselves, but we connect you with certified contractors who do, and once abatement is finished, we return for clearance testing to confirm that lead levels are safe and the work meets standards.
Landlords and property managers often need testing for compliance, as California law requires disclosure of known lead hazards before leasing, and our testing provides the documentation you need, showing tenants you take their safety seriously and protecting you legally. Testing gives you the clarity to make smart choices and keep your home safe. Whether you're preparing to sell, responding to a tenant's concern, or simply want peace of mind, we explain your options clearly and guide you through every step.
