Lead Paint in Older NYC Homes: What Owners Need to Know
If your building was built before 1978, lead-based paint may be present. Here's how to identify the risk, test safely, and stay compliant with NYC and EPA rules.
Lead-based paint was banned for residential use in the United States in 1978, but it remains present in many older New York City buildings. Under EPA rules, any renovation, repair, or painting work that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing must follow lead-safe work practices — and that requires an EPA-certified renovator.
The most common hazards aren't intact paint on walls, but deteriorating paint on friction surfaces like door frames, window frames, and stairway railings. Lead dust from these surfaces is the leading cause of childhood lead exposure.
Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing lets us measure lead content in painted surfaces without cutting into them. We pair XRF with dust wipe sampling and laboratory analysis (including TCLP) to confirm lead levels and verify clearance after abatement. Learn more about our lead paint testing and XRF inspection services.
If you own or manage a pre-1978 property, start with a risk assessment from an EPA-certified Lead Risk Assessor. We hold that certification and can document the scope of any hazard — and the lead abatement and remediation plan — in writing. NYC landlords can learn more in our NYC Landlord Lead Compliance Hub.
Need Lead Paint Testing?
If you own or manage an older property, lead paint testing and inspection can determine what's present and the appropriate next step before you renovate or remediate.
Call 347-256-4588