ACM offers a wide array of environmental investigations and laboratory services.

We provide collection and analysis of paint chips to present reliable results and solutions to remove and/or prevent contamination of projects. Other forms of sampling and analysis, including dust wipes and airborne particles, are also provided to ensure areas are safe for re-occupancy upon completion of projects. After exterior and some interior projects, the soils are often sampled especially in children occupied areas. In some cases, dust wipes and soils samples are collected and analyzed before the start of a project to determine baseline levels.

Occupational sampling and analysis of airborne particles for workers during lead abatement projects is a mandatory WorkSafe BC requirement.  For higher lead content paints, a leachability test is conducted to determine disposal requirements.

The sampling method is an integral part to receiving reliable results. ACM provides accurate results to determine effective safe project controls.

ACM offers Lead testing services for the following parameters:

• Paint Chips
• Dust Wipes
• Airborne Particulates
• Drinking Water
• Soils
• Waste Water
• TCLP testing for leachability to determine disposal requirements

History of Use

The widespread use of very high lead content paint was common until 1976, after which high lead content paint (up to 5000 mg/kg) still continued to be used. In 1977, the intentional addition of lead to consumer paints was prohibited in the United States with the maximum set at 600 mg/kg. Canada voluntarily adopted this value in 1991 for all Canadian produced consumer paints. The Surface Coating Materials Regulations made this official in 2005.

Today’s Concern

Unfortunately, the use of lead containing paints in commercial buildings, schools and houses, has the potential to create health problems each time renovations take place. Potential health problems already exist in buildings where the materials are found damaged. Upon completion of projects or repairs, in almost all cases, the most dangerous fine particles are left behind to contaminate the air in buildings. Often, the application of multiple layers of paint over the years adds lead to the painted surfaces to increase the hazards. Industrial applications still use high lead concentrations in some applications to this day, such as in pavement markings.