Guzi-West Tests for Lead in Soils

Need help analyzing the presence of lead in soil in and around your home?

One major source of lead in soils is leaded paint. It’s estimated that lead paint was used on 75% of houses built before 1978, when it was banned. Chalking, leaching, flaking, weathering, scraping, and sandblasting of leaded paint result in lead deposits in the soil near the base of these houses, creating a "halo" of lead contamination. Although less widespread, airborne lead from industrial sources such as metal shops, burn dumps, or battery recyclers may have contaminated some nearby soil.

The State of California- Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) regulates and enforces hazardous waste laws in California. The State of California-Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) evaluated potential exposures to estimate lead concentrations in soil that would lead to an incremental increase in blood lead.

However, you could still run the risk of exposure! If you want the expert lead inspectors at Guzi-West to analyze the soil and lead potential risk at your home, give us a call today! We want to ensure you and your family stay safe. (888) 351-8189

Guzi-West Analyzes Lead Contamination in Soils

Did you recently buy an older home?

Did your home pass the inspection?

Are you worried about lead contamination in soil?

Serious human health risks, particularly for children under 6 years of age, are associated with lead poisoning. It’s estimated that between 5.9 and 11.7 million children nationwide are potentially exposed to lead in soil or dust. Low-level, chronic exposure to lead in contaminated residential soil can cause developmental and behavioral problems in children. They may suffer from reduced IQ and attention span, hyperactivity, impaired growth, learning disabilities, hearing loss, and insomnia. At high levels of exposure, lead attacks the brain and your central nervous system causing coma, convulsions and even death.  People may be exposed to lead either by inhalation of lead particles or by ingestion of lead contaminated dust, water, or food.

Contact Guzi-West Today to Help!

Guzi-West has staff of lead inspectors with experience evaluating sites for the presence of lead in soils; preparing site specific work plans; sampling and laboratory analysis; site health and safety plans; overseeing and monitoring the removal and appropriate disposal of lead contaminated soils. Call (888) 351-8189 today to speak to one of our experts!

Specialized Inspection & Consulting Services

Was your home recently affected by a fire or flooding?

Are you struggling to get your life back together after an emergency?

A home damaged by water or fire can completely upend your life. We know that the damage isn’t just physical, but emotional as well. We want to help in any way that we can, and that means making sure the remediation process goes smoothly for your family.

We specialize in testing for mold, asbestos, lead-based paint, and methamphetamine, and sewage inspection and consulting services. Our team also frequently prepares abatement specifications, oversees the subsequent abatement work, and performs clearance testing to verify that the work has been properly completed. 

We nearly always get to the flood/fire/impact damaged structures the same day, and we overnight all samples to a laboratory located in the Eastern Time Zone so results can be available early in the morning the following day. This allows your restoration company to get a jump on their work and for you to be that much further along in the process of getting your property restored. 

 “Guzi West Inspection and Consulting Services performed quality and accurate work. They are extremely knowledgeable. They meet all established goals and deadlines and provided great communication through the whole job. I would recommend this company to all.” – Cory Kelly

Learn more about how we support restoration companies here!

Who is Most Susceptible to Lead Exposure?

Who is most susceptible to lead exposure and lead poisoning? Typically, it’s children under the age of six. Kids are always grabbing objects and putting them in their mouths, potentially exposing them to materials that may be covered in or contaminated by lead. Exposure is generally more dangerous for them because their bodies are developing and are most vulnerable in this age range.

Learn more about avoiding lead exposure here.

Lead Based Paint: Lack of Compliance

There have been many cases portraying lack of compliance to safety regulations. You can read an example of failure to comply with lead-based paint regulations below.

Chip and Joanna Gaines, the owners of a TV show on HGTV called “Fixer Upper,” have been fined for failure to comply with safety guidelines for lead-based paint removal. Their show contained footage of employees not following proper safety guidelines while removing lead-based paint. Their company, Magnolia Homes, paid a civil fine of $40,000 and agreed to show a demonstration on how to properly remove lead-based paint. Since then, Chip and Joanna have made a serious effort to make a difference by funding a lead-paint abatement program in their hometown with $160,000.

Read more about fines for lack of compliance here!

Take Precautions to Prevent Lead Exposure

Prevention is better than a cure when it comes to lead. Taking precautions is crucial to avoid lead exposure. Contact a nearby lead inspector. They will give you an accurate assessment and fill you in on the next steps to take depending on what they find.

Meanwhile, there are a couple things you can do to make your home and yard safer for your children. Make sure that they aren’t near any chipping or peeling paint. Have them wash their hands and toys regularly. Separate living and play areas from lead sources, mop your floors and wipe windows regularly, and avoid letting your kids play on bare soil … give them a sandbox with clean sand instead!

Learn more about avoiding lead exposure here!

Be Aware of Lead Sources

Dust and chips from old paint are the leading sources of lead poisoning, but there are many other sources of lead, including soil, drinking water, air, children’s toys/jewelry, imported food/candy, imported canned food, and many more. If you want to know more about different sources of lead, check these helpful websites:

• https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/sources.htm
• https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/sources.htm

Learn more about avoiding lead exposure here!