Lead, PCBs
Lead is a chemical element in the carbon group with the chemical symbol Pb. Pb is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. Lead was used in building construction, paint, batteries, bullets and shot, weights, solders, pewter, fusible alloys and as a radiation shield. If ingested, lead is poisonous to animals and humans, damaging the nervous system and causing brain disorders. Excessive exposure to lead also causes blood disorders. Lead is considered to be a neurotoxin that accumulates in soft tissue and bones. Lead poisoning has been documented in ancient Rome, ancient Greece, and ancient China.
Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) belongs to a broad family of man-made organic chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. PCBs were domestically manufactured from 1929 until they were banned by the EPA in 1979. They have a range of toxicity and vary in consistency from thin, light-colored liquids to yellow or black waxy solids. Due to their non-flammability, chemical stability, high boiling point, and electrical insulating properties, PCBs were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications including electrical, heat transfer, and hydraulic equipment; as plasticizers in paints, plastics, and rubber products; in pigments, dyes, and carbonless copy paper; and many other industrial applications.
Lead-Based Paint Inspections Using X-Ray Fluorescence and Paint Chip Sampling
JLC's EPA certified Lead-based Inspectors and Risk Assessors conduct lead inspections using XRF technology. The XRF machine (known as a "gun") is used to test building components for the presence of lead. Results are available instantaneously using this non-destructive method. If necessary, paint chip samples are also collected and sent for laboratory analysis. Laboratory results are usually available in 2-3 business days from the date of sampling. A detailed report is usually released by JLC within 5-7 business days.
Lead-Based Paint Dust Wipe Clearance Sampling After Lead Abatement
After lead abatement activities are completed, a dust wipe clearance sampling is needed to ensure abatement is completed successfully. JLC's EPA certified Lead-based Inspectors take dust-wipe samples which are analyzed by an accredited laboratory. Laboratory results are usually available in 2-3 days after the sampling. A detailed report is usually released by JLC within 5-7 business days.
Lead In Dust Standards - New Requirements
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (“DOHMH” or “the Department”) is writing to inform you that effective June 11th, NYC will have new lower lead in dust standards. Local Law 66 of 2019 outlines new lead reference/action levels and standards relating to lead-based paint hazards.
The new standards for lead dust clearance and lead dust hazard risk assessment testing in New York City are as follows:
New Standards
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Floors 10 mcg/ ft2
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Window Sills 50 mcg/ft2
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Window Wells 100 mcg/ft2
The new standards apply to all clearance dust wipe samples collected in New York City on or after June 11, 2019. Please see the attached document for more important information.
Lead Air Monitoring
JLC's EPA certified Lead-based Inspectors and Risk Assessors take air samples that are analyzed by an accredited laboratory. Laboratory results are usually available in 2-3 days after the sampling. A detailed report is usually released by JLC within 5-7 business days.
Lead In Water Sampling
Usually, drinking water is tested for lead as old pipes can release lead into the water. The preferred method is to take samples in the morning before it starts being used for the day. Laboratory results are usually available in
3-5 days after the sampling. A detailed report is released by JLC within 5-7 business days.
Lead Abatement Sampling
JLC's Project Managers prepare Lead Abatement Specifications for Lead Abatement projects. Specifications are written after obtaining Lead Inspection report. Such specifications are necessary for large projects to avoid any errors on part of the Lead Abatement Contractor. Specifications also provide various methods and options for Abatement.
JLC also uses CADD to prepare drawings with Abatement Specifications. It usually takes 7-10 business days to prepare Specifications.
Hazardous Waste Testing of Demolition Debris via Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) Testing
Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) testing is done on construction waste to determine which type of landfill it needs to be sent to. If the material is possibly contaminated with lead paint, a composite of waste materials from a container are collected and analyzed using a soil sample extraction method for chemical analysis which is employed as an analytical method to simulate leaching through a landfill. This testing methodology is used to determine if demolition waste is hazardous (D-List).
Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Sampling
JLC's environmental inspectors sample suspect materials like window caulk and other building products. These samples are analyzed by an independent accredited laboratory for the presence of PCB. Laboratory results are usually available within 5-7 business days.