EPA's Region 6 Office
Serving: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and 66 Tribal Nations
Lead-based Paints
Lead-based Paints
EPA Recognizes Lead Paint Test Kits
The EPA Lead Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP) rule (PDF) (79 pp, 847K) includes a two-phase process for evaluating and recognizing test kits that can be used to determine the presence of regulated levels of lead in lead-based paint surfaces. After initial evaluation, EPA is recognizing two currently available lead test kits, with limitations. They are the LeadCheck® kit and the State of Massachusetts kit.
EPA recognizes that, when used by a certified renovator, the LeadCheck® lead test kit can reliably determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present on all surfaces, including wood, that are used for window and door trim. It is not recognized for use on plaster and drywall. This kit is available at local hardware stores throughout the country.
EPA recognizes that, when used by trained professionals, the State of Massachusetts lead test kit can reliably determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present on all surfaces except ferrous metal.
D-Lead®. Based on the results of the Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) study of vendor-submitted lead test kits, EPA recognizes that when used by a certified renovator the D-Lead® Paint Test Kit manufactured by ESCA Tech, Inc., can reliably determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present on wood, ferrous metal (alloys that contain iron), drywall and plaster surfaces. Certified renovators seeking to use the D-Lead® Paint Test Kit for purposes of meeting requirements in the RRP Rule can purchase it from certain distributors and retail outlets. To locate a distributor or retailer visit www.esca-tech.com, e-mail rrp@esca-tech.com or call (414) 962-3006.
EPA will continue to update information on recognized spot-test kits as it becomes available. For any questions pertaining to the recognition of these kits, contact Sam Brown at 202-566-0490 or by email: brown.sam@epa.gov.
Information on the Federal Real Estate Notification Disclosure rule can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/pubs/lead/leadbase.htm
The Region 6 lead-based paint program will answer questions regarding various existing lead-based paint rules, and it will provide information on how to prevent or minimize exposures to lead-based paint hazards during home renovation projects, or lead-based paint abatement projects. Aso see information on the requirements for the pre-renovation education rule.
Sign-up for Renovation Rule Information.
Beginning on June 23, 2008, renovators will be required to distribute a lead hazard information pamphlet to the owners and administrators of child-occupied facilities before beginning renovations in these facilities. Renovators must also make renovation information available to the parents or guardians of children under age six that attend these facilities. The Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Final Rule (PDF) (79 pp, 847K), published on April 22, 2008, amends and supplements the 1999 rule.
State Lead Based Paint Contacts: 
| Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) | http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/air/asb_lead/lead.htm |
| Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) | http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/protal/default.aspx?tabid=2251 |
| Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) | http://www.deq.state.ok.us/AQDnew/lbp/index.htm |
| Texas Department of Health (TDH) | |
| Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma - Dept of Environmental Protection | http://www.cherokee.org/Services/Default.aspx |
Federal Certification Program in New Mexico and Tribal Lands:
EPA Region 6 currently implements the Federal lead-based paint activities certification program in New Mexico and in all Tribal Nations of EPA Region 6, except the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Find a Federally Accredited lead-based paint training providers, in your area, or search for firms who have received Federal certification to perform lead-based paint inspections, risk assessments, and abatements.
These listings only reflects those areas under the EPA Federal Lead-Based Paint Program (New Mexico, and all Tribal Lands under the jurisdiction of EPA Region 6). It does not include information relative to certifications issued by Region 6 States who have their own Lead-Based Paint Activities Training and Certification programs (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Cherokee Nation) which have been authorized by EPA. To obtain State certification information, please refer to the appropriate State Agency, as noted above.
Lead-Based Paint Training Providers
Lead-Based Paint Firms
To find out more about the Region 6 Lead-Based Paint Program, or applications on the Federal Lead certification program, Contact: Mike Adams (214-665-6711) or eMail