This brochure is to inform certified lead-based
paint professionals of requirements to use EPA-
recognized (NLLAP) laboratories for analysis
of samples collected in residential housing and
child occupied facilities.
Testing for Lead?
There are two important considerations to
achieve accurate lead measurements. The first
is the collection of appropriate samples. EPA,
numerous states and tribes have established
programs to certify inspectors and risk
assessors so collection of paint chip, dust and
soil samples will be performed according to
current standards. To obtain additional
information about current requirements for
collection of paint, dust, or soil samples, call
the National Lead Information Center at 1-
800-424-LEAD or visit Internet site www.epa.
gov/lead.
The second aspect of an accurate measurement
takes place in the laboratory. EPA has
established the National Lead Laboratory
Accreditation Program (NLLAP) to
recognize laboratories that demonstrate the
ability to accurately analyze paint chip, dust or
soil samples for lead. A laboratory may choose
to be recognized for one, two, or all three of
these types of samples.
Many states and tribes have developed
requirements for lead-based paint activities and
have received authorization to implement their
programs from EPA. The majority of these
states and tribes require the use of NLLAP-
recognized laboratories for analyzing paint,
dust, or soil samples collected during risk
assessments, lead hazard screens, and
inspections covered by their programs.
In states and tribes that do not have an EPA
authorized program by March 1, 2000,
EPA will administer a federal program with
requirements for the conduct of lead-based
paint activities and the use of NLLAP-
recognized laboratories.
For additional information about what is
required in your locality, or who to contact
about requirements in any states or tribal lands
where you plan to offer testing services, call
the National Lead Information Center at
1-800-424-LEAD.
How Does NLLAP Work?
The NLLAP has been established by EPA's
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics.
NLLAP provides the public with a list of
laboratories that have met EPA requirements
and demonstrated the capability to accurately
analyze paint chip, dust, or soil samples for
lead. All laboratories recognized by NLLAP
are required to undergo on-site audits
conducted by accrediting organizations
participating in the NLLAP, and to perform
successfully on a continuing basis in the
Environmental Lead Proficiency Testing
(ELPAT) Program. ELPAT is a proficiency
testing program established by the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH), EPA, and the American Industrial
Hygiene Association (AIHA).
Currently, EPA recognizes the AIHA and the
American Association for Laboratory
Accreditation (A2LA) as accreditation
organizations participating in the NLLAP
laboratories audit process. To learn about a
specific laboratory's past performance or
complaint history, contact AIHA at
(703) 849-8888 or A2LA at (301) 644-3200.
-------
How Can I Get a List
of EPA-Recosnized
Laboratories and
Further Information
on Lead?
To obtain a current list of
laboratories recognized by the
EPA NLLAP ("The NLLAP
List"), call The National Lead
Information Center toll free at
1-800-424-LEAD or visit the
Internet site www.leadlisting.org.
Additional information on EPA's
program to reduce lead hazards
may also be found at the Internet
site www.epa.gov/lead.
c/EPA
EPA-747-F-99-002
April 1999
s|l ||ii
<^ — —i"*—**
-05'
^•CD
m w
ffi"
8
<& 3^
O CD M
~i ^ ^
O
O
TJ
o (f
S a
CD
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Prevention, Pesticides,
and Toxic Substances
(7404)
Selecting a
Laboratory for
Lead Analysis:
The EPA National
Lead Laboratory
Accreditation
Program
------- |