Lead Testing
Healthy Home provides professional lead-based paint testing for homeowners, landlords, and renovation contractors.
What you should know about lead in homes
If your home was built before 1978, there’s a chance lead-based paint is still present on walls, windows, doors, or trim.
Lead can also turn up in older plumbing, ceramic tile, and soil around the home. While it isn’t always visible, exposure—especially for children—can be harmful over time.
Healthy Home provides certified lead testing for homeowners, landlords, renters, and buyers across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our licensed inspectors offer fast, reliable results and are always available to answer your questions. Most inspections take 1–2 hours, and digital reports are typically delivered within 3–5 business days.
Where Does Lead Exposure Come From?
For decades, lead was used in everything from paint and plumbing to gasoline, pottery, and even children’s toys.
Before the health risks were fully understood, lead was added to everyday products because it was durable, cheap, and easy to work with. Although many of these uses were banned in the U.S. by the late 1970s, those materials didn’t just disappear. Here’s where it shows up — and why testing is still important today.
Common Sourses of Lead in Homes
Lead Paint in Older Homes
Lead-based paint was banned in 1978, but many homes still have it on walls, trim, doors, and windows, often concealed by newer latex paints. As it deteriorates, it chips, flakes, and turns into dust — increasing the risk of exposure, especially in children.
Lead in Plumbing Fixtures
Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or copper plumbing soldered with lead. Brass faucets and fittings — particularly imported ones — can also leach lead into water (and are still being sold today). When water sits overnight, lead ions can accumulate in the first draw from the tap.
Lead in Drinking Water
If you live in a home or work in a building that was built prior to 1986, there is a good chance you have excessive amounts of lead in your drinking water. This also applies to schools and parks built during the same years.
Lead in Soil
Lead particles from gasoline or paint settle into soil and remains there. It’s especially common near roads and highways and in some urban settings like older parks. Once in the soil, it remains for decades and be tracked into your home on shoes and pets.
Lead in Household Dust
Renovation work, friction from old windows, or simply time can release lead-containing dust into the air. This dust can circulate through your HVAC system or settle on surfaces, increasing long-term exposure risk.
Lead in Consumer Products
Lead is still used in some international manufacturing—including toys, cosmetics, and plastics. While U.S. regulations on lead are strict, imported items don’t always meet the same standards.
Lead in Industrial Use
While less relevant for homeowners in their day-to-day lives, lead is still used in batteries, cable coverings, solder, fishing weights, and radiation shielding. These industrial uses occupational exposure and the potential for workers to bring lead contaminants into the house.
Lead in Imported Goods
Lead is still used in some international manufacturing—including toys, cosmetics, and plastics. While U.S. regulations on lead are strict, imported items don’t always meet the same standards.
Did You Know?
Lead was once used in everything from ammunition and plastic stabilizers to ceramic glazes and fishing weights. While industrial uses still exist today, most lead exposure in homes comes from older paint, plumbing, dust, and soil.
Why Test for Lead?
Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. According to The Mayo Clinic, children under the age of 6 are the most vulnerable to lead poisoning—their growing bodies absorb lead more easily, and even small amounts can impact brain development, behavior, and learning.
Pregnant women should also take extra caution. Lead can cross the placenta and affect a developing baby, increasing the risk of slowed growth, low birth rate, and learning difficulties later in life.
Who is Most at Risk
- Children under 6, due to higher absorption and hand-to-mouth behavior
- Pregnant women, because lead can harm a developing baby
- People in older homes (pre-1978), where lead-based paint and plumbing are common
- DIYers or renovators, who may disturb lead-painted surfaces or old dust
Common Symptoms of Lead Exposure
In children:
- Learning delays
- Irritability or fatigue
- Abdominal discomfort
- Weight loss or poor appetite
- Hearing issues
In Adults:
- High blood pressure
- Joint or muscle pain
- Mood or memory issues
- Fertility problems
- Pregnancy complications
When Should You Test for Lead?
Lead testing isn’t something most people do routinely — but there are certain times when it’s smart, or even required.
Renovating or Disturbing Painted Surfaces
If your home was built before 1978 and you’re remodeling, repainting, or replacing windows, federal law requires that lead-safe work practices be followed. Testing helps you know what you’re dealing with before the project begins — and whether extra precautions are needed.
Addressing Health Concerns
If someone in your home — especially a child or pregnant woman — has elevated lead levels or unexplained symptoms. testing the home environment can pinpoint the source. It’s often the first step in reducing ongoing exposure.
Buying or Selling a Home Built Before 1978
Lead testing gives buyers a clearer picture of potential risks and future costs. For sellers, it can help address concerns upfront and prevent surprises during escrow or inspection.
Responding to Tenant or Occupant Concerns
Landlords are often required to disclose known lead hazards. In some cases, testing may be necessary to confirm whether lead paint or dust is present — especially if a tenant reports chipping paint or having a child in the home.
Planning Abatement or Stabilization Work
If you’re preparing for lead hazard removal or need to develop an abatement protocol, testing provides the data needed to guide safe, compliant work.
Lead Testing Process
Our lead testing process is designed to deliver fast, clear, and accurate results. Here’s what to expect.
1. Discovery
We begin by asking key questions about the age of the building, recent renovations, and whether any paint or surfaces appear to be deteriorating. We also inquire about known lead sources such as old plumbing, windows, or exterior paint. This helps us pinpoint the most likely areas of concern.
2. Visual Inspection
Our team conducts a detailed walkthrough to identify painted surfaces, dust-prone areas, or deteriorated materials that may present a risk. We focus on high-risk locations such as windowsills, door frames, baseboards, and soil near the home’s perimeter.
3. Sampling & Laboratory Analysis
We collect samples using industry-approved methods—typically swabs, dust wipes, or paint chip samples—depending on the surface and the testing requirements. In Portland, we also offer X-ray fluorescence (XRF) screening, a non-destructive tool that allows us to test painted surfaces in place without needing to collect physical samples.
In some cases, we also test soil, water, or indoor air to evaluate secondary sources of lead exposure. All collected samples are submitted to an accredited laboratory for detailed analysis, providing confirmation of both the presence and concentration of lead in your home.
4. Report & Consultation
You’ll receive a detailed report that includes lab results (for non-XRF inspections) and a plain-language explanation of findings. We clarify whether lead was detected, at what levels, and whether any regulatory thresholds were exceeded. We also advise on next steps for risk reduction, abatement, or clearance testing, and are available to answer follow-up questions.
Types of Lead Tests
Lead contamination isn’t always obvious. Healthy Home’s testing will locate the sources of lead in your homes so you can take action confidently.
Because the discovery of lead in homes is not uncommon, and because it can come from many different sources, Healthy Home uses multiple testing methods designed to pinpoint where lead is present and how serious the risk may be.
Water Testing
We collect first-draw water samples from kitchen and bathroom taps after water has sat in the pipes overnight. This helps detect lead leaching from plumbing, solder, or fixtures—especially in homes built before 1986.
Indoor Air Testing
Our team gathers air samples to test for airborne lead dust particulates. This is common for projects undergoing a remodel or in homes with deteriorating paint and older HVAC systems.
Soil Testing
We take targeted soil samples from around your home’s perimeter, including garden beds and high-contact areas like children’s play structures. This can reveal long-term lead contamination from paint, vehicle emissions, or construction projects.
Dust Wipe Sampling
Lead dust can collect on floors and windowsills — even if paint looks intact. We take surface samples from high-risk areas like bedrooms and living spaces.
EBL Investigations
If a child has an elevated blood lead level, our team conducts a detailed home inspection to identify and document likely sources of exposure in compliance with state protocols.
Why Choose Healthy Home
Fast Lab Results
Receive detailed, lab-certified reports in just 2–3 business days
Easy-to-Read Reports
Receive detailed, lab-certified reports in just 2–3 business days
Trusted Local Team
Serving Portland, Bend, and beyond with deep knowledge of Oregon homes
At Healthy Home, we specialize in one thing: environmental testing. We don’t sell remediation services so our results are unbiased, accurate, and focused on helping you to make informed decisions about your home and family.
No Upsells
We only test. We have no conflict of interest with remdiation companies, and we won’t try and give you a sales pitch for more services.
Certified Inspectors
We are licensed in Oregon and Washington for lead-based paint, water, air, and soil samples.
Fast Turnaround & Upfront Pricing
We offer transparent rates with no surprise fees, and our relationships with accredited laboratories allow us to deliver reports within 5-7 business days.
Local & Responsive
We are based in Oregon and have proudly served homeowners since 2008.
Pricing & Scheduling
Transparent pricing, fast scheduling, and no surprise fees, our local teams are ready to help across Portland, Bend, and beyond.
Pricing
Every job includes inspection, accredited lab fees, and a written report with clear findings. Limited paint testing, such as for restoration projects, typically runs $450. Whole-house inspections up to 4,000 square feet are offered at a flat rate, while homes larger than that are quoted individually. Air, dust, soil, and water sampling can be quoted upon request.
$450
Scheduling
We can typically schedule lead testing within 2-3 business days.
2-3 days
Turnaround
Most reports delivered within 5-7 business days. XRF results will be at the end of the inspection, with a full report to follow in 2-3 business days. Rush lab analysis services are avilable for an additional fee.
5-7 days
Frequently asked questions
Don’t see your question? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you find the answer.
Do I need lead testing before painting or remodeling?
If your home was built before 1978, federal law may require lead-safe work practices, but that doesn’t always mean testing is required. It depends on how you plan to approach the project. If you’re simply painting over intact surfaces—such as applying a fresh coat of paint without disturbing the old layer—then testing usually isn’t necessary. However, if your work involves sanding, cutting, demolition, or anything that could disturb painted surfaces, lead testing becomes important.
Contractors working on homes built before 1978 must follow the EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule. This means they’re required to either assume lead is present or test the surfaces before starting work. Testing helps determine whether lead-safe practices must be followed, such as containing dust and using certified personnel.
If you’re doing the work yourself, you’re not legally required to follow the RRP Rule. However, it’s still smart to test for lead if your project could disturb old paint—especially if children or pregnant people live in the home.
Is lead still dangerous even if the paint’s not peeling?
While intact paint is generally less risky, it can still pose a hazard — especially in high-friction areas like windows, doors, or railings. Lead dust can form through everyday wear or during renovation. Testing helps the condition and determine next steps.
Is the lead testing process invasive?
No. Our preferred method, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is non-destructive and allows for rapid on-site results. We also may use paint chip or dust wipe sampling—these methods involve minimal disruption and are sent to a certified laboratory for analysis.
Do you handle lead abatement?
No. Healthy Home is a dedicated testing company. We provide site-specific abatement or stabilization protocols and can refer you to a licensed abatement contractor if needed. This ensures our results stay objective and focused on your safety.
How long does lead testing take?
Most site visits take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your home and the number of components tested. Reports are typically delivered in 5-7 business days, with on-site feedback available immediately for XRF inspections.
What does lead testing cost?
We offer clear, upfront pricing with no upsell or bundled remediation services.
Should I just assume my home has lead paint if it was built before 1978?
You could — but assuming doesn’t help you make informed decisions. Many homes from that era have since been repainted or renovated. Testing gives you clarity on whether lead-based paint is actually present and whether it’s a concern based on location and condition.
Do you test for lead in water?
Yes. We collect first-draw samples to test for lead leaching from pipes, solder, or fixtures. Water testing is especially important in homes built before 1986 or in areas with known plumbing issues.
Are your results accurate?
Our lead inspections follow EPA-approved methods, and samples are processed by accredited laboratories. Our inspectors are certified in both Oregon and Washington, and we use professional-grade XRF analyzers for real-time, non-destructive paint testing.
Are landlords required to test for lead?
Federal law requires landlords to disclose any known lead-based paint hazards when leasing properties built before 1978, but testing isn’t always mandatory unless certain conditions apply. That said, testing can protect both residents and property owners — especially if children are present.
