
Reconsideration of the Dust-Lead Hazard Standards and Dust-Lead Post-Abatement Clearance Levels.
This is to inform you of some important changes to the regulations regarding lead paint hazards and abatement several of which went into effect on January 13, 2025.
These changes were outlined in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final rule titled "Reconsideration of the Dust-Lead Hazard Standards and Dust-Lead Post-Abatement Clearance Levels."
Key Changes - New Names, Lower Levels
The Dust-Lead Hazard Standards (DLHS) have been renamed to the Dust-Lead Reportable Levels (DLRL), with levels lowered as follows:
Floors: Previously 10 µg/ft², now Any Reportable Level*
Window Sills: Previously 100 µg/ft², now Any Reportable Level*
Reportable Level is defined as the lowest analyte concentration or amount that does not contain a "less than" qualifier (ex. < 5 µg/ft²) and that is reported with confidence for a specific method by an EPA-recognized/NLLAP-recognized laboratory.
The Dust-Lead Clearance Levels (DLCL) have been renamed to the Dust-Lead Action Levels (DLAL), with levels lowered as follows:
Floors: Previously 10 µg/ft², now 5 µg/ft²*
Window Sills: Previously 100 µg/ft², now 40 µg/ft²*
Window Troughs: Previously 400 µg/ft², now 100 µg/ft²*
New Sampling Requirements:
To comply with the new lower reporting limits, lead paint professionals are recommended to use dust wipes with a larger sampling area. This means using wipes that cover at least two square feet for floors and 36 square inches (0.25 square feet) for window sills.
New Abatement Report Requirements:
Abatement reports must now include specific language informing residents about potential remaining lead hazards (especially lead dust) even after abatement is complete. The report should also refer them to the EPA's pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" for more information.
Important Note
The enforcement date for these changes (especially the lower levels) is January 12, 2026, which is one year from the effective date.
Additional Changes:
Abatement Definition:Â The definition of "abatement" has been updated to emphasize the goal of permanently eliminating lead-based paint hazards, particularly reducing dust-lead levels below the new DLAL.
Other Definitions:Â The definitions of several key terms have been revised, including "wipe sample," "electronic," "target housing," "certified inspector," "certified risk assessor," "child-occupied facility," "living area," "housing for the elderly," and "visual inspection for abatement-related testing." These revisions aim to clarify the scope and application of the regulations. Soil Lead Hazard Standards (SLHS) will be addressed in a separate, future rulemaking which plans to be issued in 2026.
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