Introduction

Lead remains one of the most persistent occupational and environmental hazards, especially in facilities where paint disturbance, metal cutting, abrasive blasting, casting, or battery-related processes occur. Even low-level exposure can lead to neurological, developmental, and cardiovascular impacts. AGT Labs provides accredited testing services to identify lead contamination pathways, evaluate worker exposure, and support compliance with OSHA, EPA, and HUD regulations.

Purpose

Lead is a well-known toxic metal affecting the nervous system and hematopoietic functions. OSHA 1910.1025 requires monitoring wherever lead is handled, disturbed, or generated. AGT Labs provides comprehensive lead testing in air, paint, and surfaces to support industrial hygiene, abatement, and regulatory compliance.

Lead-Generating Tasks & Worksite Risk Factors

Work activities such as abrasive blasting, sanding, welding on painted substrates, smelting, casting, or demolition can aerosolize lead particles and dramatically increase airborne concentrations. Additional risk factors include deteriorating industrial coatings, legacy lead-based paints, and poor ventilation systems. Identifying these high-risk tasks is essential for implementing effective monitoring strategies and control measures.

Testing Overview

Airborne lead sampled with personal/area pumps onto MCE filters (0.8 µm, 37 mm); analyzed by NIOSH 7300 / 7303 (ICP-AES or ICP-MS).
Surface dust and paint chips digested and quantified using EPA 3050 / 3051 or ASTM E1644.
All analyses under ISO/IEC 17025 QA/QC with reference standards and matrix spikes.

Testing Options

Air Sampling

Personal & area sampling for TWA and STEL lead exposure.

Wipe Sampling

Housekeeping and clearance verification per EPA 40 CFR 745.

Bulk Paint Chip Testing

Supports renovation, abatement, and industrial projects.

Settled Dust Sampling

Occupational and residential clearance assessments.

Process Emission Testing

Monitoring in foundries, battery facilities, and industrial processes.

Sampling Media & Equipment Supply

Pre-cleaned filter cassettes (MCE or PVC)
Calibrated sampling pumps (1–2 L/min)
Lead wipe kits (pre-moistened, trace-metal free)
Sample containers for bulk chips and dusts
Chain-of-custody forms and QA labels

Kits are delivered with detailed instructions and return shipping labels.

Work Practices That Increase Lead Exposure Potential

Hot-work operations, mechanical abrasion, high-energy cutting, and demolition significantly increase the potential for generating respirable and settleable lead dust. AGT Labs supports these activities with targeted air monitoring strategies, pre-task risk reviews, and guidance on engineering controls to reduce exposure during critical tasks.

Accreditation & Standards

NIOSH 7300 / 7303 OSHA 1910.1025 EPA 3050 / 3051 ISO/IEC 17025 AIHA-LAP Industrial Hygiene Program

Deliverables & Value-Added Services for Lead Testing

Lead concentrations (µg/m³ in air; µg/ft² on surfaces; % in paint)
Comparison to OSHA PEL (50 µg/m³ TWA) and EPA clearance levels
QA/QC summary, calibration certificates, and blank data
Recommendations for housekeeping, ventilation, and abatement
Compliance summary with retesting plan
Lead clearance and abatement verification
Historical trend analysis and exposure tracking
Training on safe work practices
CIH consultation for lead programs and control measures

Summary

AGT Labs provides accredited lead testing across air, paint, and surfaces—delivering defensible data and actionable recommendations for OSHA and EPA compliance. Our integrated sampling kits and expert interpretation support both industrial and environmental lead management programs.

Lead Testing (Air, Paint, & Surfaces)