PORTABLE X-RAY FLUORESCENCE (XRF) TESTING
Historic and pre-1978 architectural woodwork, moldings, and window sashes should never be subjected to destructive knife-blade scraping. Envirogyn deploys calibrated portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrum analyzers that instantly measure lead concentrations through up to 30 layers of paint with laboratory precision.
Surface-by-Surface Lead Inspection
Exhaustive testing of every painted or coated architectural component in every room equivalent (doors, frames, baseboards, window sills, siding, fascias) to produce a definitive property inventory.
Lead Hazard Risk Assessment
Identifies active lead hazards: deteriorated, peeling, flaking paint, friction/impact points (window sashes, door jambs), child mouthable surfaces, and lead-contaminated dust wipes and bare soil.
X-Ray Fluorescence Physics
Irradiates lead atoms with gamma/X-ray excitation, detecting distinctive K-shell and L-shell fluorescence. Instant digital readout in mg/cm². Readings ≥ 1.0 mg/cm² designate Lead-Based Paint (LBP).
EPA & HUD DUST WIPE CLEARANCE STANDARDS
Lead dust is the primary vector for pediatric lead poisoning. Following lead abatement, renovation, or commercial containment teardown, Envirogyn collects single-surface Ghost Wipes analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) against the tightened federal clearance thresholds.
| Surface / Medium | Current Clearance Threshold | Legacy Limit | Governing Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floors (Hard Surfaces & Carpet) | < 10 μg/ft² | 40 μg/ft² | EPA 40 CFR § 745.227 |
| Interior Window Sills (Stools) | < 100 μg/ft² | 250 μg/ft² | HUD Guidelines Ch. 7 |
| Window Troughs (Exterior Wells) | < 400 μg/ft² | 400 μg/ft² | 25 TAC § 295.212 |
| Child Play Area Bare Soil | < 400 ppm (mg/kg) | 400 ppm | 40 CFR § 745.65(c) |
| Perimeter Building Bare Soil | < 1,200 ppm (mg/kg) | 1,200 ppm | 25 TAC § 295.212 |
| Potable Drinking Water Faucets | < 15 ppb (0.015 mg/L) | 15 ppb | EPA Lead & Copper Rule |
Independent Third-Party Verification Gate
Under Texas 25 TAC § 295.212, post-abatement dust wipe clearance testing must be performed by an independent licensed Lead Inspector or Risk Assessor who has no economic affiliation with the abatement contractor. Envirogyn maintains total statutory independence, providing unquestioned legal clearance.
PRE-1978 ASSET & RENOVATION RISK EVALUATOR
Select the asset construction era and transaction type below to determine statutory disclosure mandates under the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) liabilities, and required testing protocols.
Statutory Mandate & TREC Form OP-L Rules
Mandatory execution of TREC Form OP-L (Addendum for Seller's Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint). Seller must provide buyer with federal "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" pamphlet and allow a statutory 10-day inspection contingency window.
EPA RRP Renovation Liabilities
Any contractor disturbing > 6 sq ft of interior paint or > 20 sq ft of exterior paint must be certified under the EPA RRP Rule (40 CFR Part 745). Failure to deploy containment and certified lead-safe practices exposes property owners and general contractors to federal fines up to $37,500 per day per violation.
Recommended Envirogyn Testing Protocol
Complete Non-Destructive Portable XRF Spectrum Inspection covering all architectural components plus EPA/HUD Dust Wipe testing of interior window sashes, living room floors, and child play areas.
Closing Liability Shield
Executing an independent lead inspection grants buyers and landlords complete legal transparency, shields brokers from misrepresentation claims, and eliminates catastrophic child lead poisoning liability.
THIRD-PARTY CLEARANCE & TREC OP-L DEFENSE
Whether managing a historic renovation in Galveston or closing a commercial multifamily transaction in Houston, our DSHS-certified team acts as your independent third-party compliance officer.
TREC Form OP-L Disclosure Compliance
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) mandates that sellers of target residential housing disclose known lead-based paint hazards. Our comprehensive inspection reports satisfy paragraph B(2) of TREC Form OP-L, providing certified records that protect sellers and real estate brokerages against civil fraud allegations.
- • Complete component-by-component XRF lead inventory
- • DSHS Lead Firm License #2071399 signed lead hazard declaration
- • 10-day buyer inspection contingency resolution documentation
Abatement Project Oversight & PRV
When lead abatement or heavy stabilization is executed, Envirogyn provides independent containment inspection, continuous air sampling, and final dust wipe clearance. We ensure that lead dust has not migrated into clean living spaces or HVAC ductwork before barriers are disassembled.
- • Visual inspection for dust, paint chips, and debris
- • Mandatory 1-hour settling time prior to clearance wipes
- • Formal written Certificate of Post-Abatement Clearance
LEAD INSPECTION TECHNICAL FAQ
[Q1] Why is XRF testing superior to chemical swab pens or paint scraping? ▾
[Q2] What are the federal penalties for contractors failing to follow the EPA RRP Rule? ▾
[Q3] How can intact paint cause lead poisoning in children? ▾
[Q4] Does Envirogyn perform lead abatement contractor work? ▾
[Q5] What happens if dust wipes fail post-abatement clearance? ▾
SCHEDULE A CERTIFIED LEAD-BASED PAINT AUDIT
Eliminate lead exposure liabilities across your commercial real estate, multi-family, or historical assets. Speak directly with a Texas DSHS Certified Lead Inspector.