How do you test for lead paint?

The reliable ways are a lead-based paint inspection by a certified inspector (usually with a handheld X-ray fluorescence analyzer, surface by surface), a risk assessment by a certified risk assessor (which also tests dust and soil for hazards), or paint-chip samples sent to an NLLAP-recognized laboratory.

Do home lead test kits work?

Partly. EPA recognizes three kits only for confirming that lead-based paint is NOT present, on specific surfaces, and only when used by certified professionals. No kit has met EPA's standard for avoiding false positives, so a positive result isn't conclusive.

What's the difference between a lead inspection and a risk assessment?

An inspection tells you whether and where there is lead-based paint. A risk assessment tells you whether there are lead hazards right now (deteriorated paint, lead dust, lead in soil) and what to do about them.

Guide · testing

How to test for lead paint

You can't tell lead paint by looking at it. To know for sure you need a test, and which test depends on the question you're asking: is there lead paint here? or is anyone being exposed right now?

Three ways to find out

Lead-based paint inspection

Answers: is there lead paint, and on which surfaces?
A certified inspector tests painted surfaces one by one, usually with a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer that reads through the layers without damaging them. Useful before buying, renovating or repainting.

Risk assessment

Answers: are there lead hazards now, and what should I do?
A certified risk assessor looks at paint condition and takes dust wipes from floors and windowsills and samples bare soil. You get a list of hazards and options for fixing them. Best if a young child lives there.

Paint-chip lab test

Answers: does this particular surface contain lead?
A chip of every layer, down to the bare surface, sent to a lab in EPA's National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP). Accurate for that spot, and it damages the paint where it's taken.

What about do-it-yourself test kits?

EPA sets two performance tests for lead test kits: few false negatives (missing lead paint no more than 5% of the time) and few false positives (no more than 10%). No kit has met both. Three meet the first:

LeadCheck (made by 3M until 2023, now by Luxfer Magtech): recognized on wood, ferrous metal, and drywall and plaster.
D-Lead: recognized on wood, ferrous metal, and drywall and plaster, when used by a certified renovator.
The Massachusetts kit: recognized on drywall and plaster only.

What that means: a recognized kit giving a negative result on a surface it's recognized for is good evidence that regulated lead paint isn't there. A positive result might be a false alarm. And EPA's recognition covers tests done by certified inspectors, risk assessors and renovators, not homeowners, although LeadCheck and D-Lead are sold to the public. (The Massachusetts kit is for that state's inspectors and risk assessors.)

Who should test first

Anyone planning to sand, scrape, cut or demolish painted surfaces in a home built before 1978. Sanding, scraping and demolition can turn intact lead paint into dust quickly. For jobs bigger than minor repairs (more than 6 square feet of painted surface per room inside, or 20 square feet outside, or any window replacement or demolition), paid renovators must be certified under EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, unless a test shows the paint isn't lead-based.
Homes where a child under 6 lives or visits often, especially a pre-1960 home with peeling paint or old windows. A risk assessment is the right test, and the child's doctor can order a blood lead test, which is how you find out whether a child has been exposed.
Buyers of pre-1978 homes, during the 10-day inspection window the law gives you. See disclosure rules.

Children's blood lead

CDC uses a blood lead reference value of 3.5 µg/dL (lowered from 5 in October 2021) to flag children with more lead in their blood than 97.5% of U.S. children aged 1–5. It isn't a safe level: CDC says no safe blood lead level in children has been identified.

How to find a certified professional

EPA lists certified lead inspectors, risk assessors and renovation firms. Many states run their own certification programs instead, so also check your state health or environmental department. Search for “lead-safe certified firm” and “lead inspector” on epa.gov/lead.

Sources: EPA, “Lead Test Kits” (updated November 2025); 40 CFR 745.88 and Subpart E (RRP rule); 40 CFR 745.227; CDC, MMWR 70(43), October 29, 2021.

Check an address

How likely is lead paint where you live?

We estimate it for every neighbourhood from the decade its homes were built.

More guides

When was lead paint banned?1978 for homes, but the cut-off had been tightening since 1955. The full timeline, and what each step means for your house.Lead paint disclosureWhat sellers and landlords of pre-1978 homes must tell you, the 10-day inspection right, and who’s exempt.What does lead paint look like?You can’t tell by looking. What alligatoring means, where lead paint usually is, and what to do about chips.