Lead & Heavy Metals Testing
What this assessment is for
Lead can be present in paint (especially in homes built before 1970), soil, water, household dust, and a range of consumer products. Particular risks exist for young children, whose developing brains are especially vulnerable to exposure. Other heavy metals may also be present in older properties, imported goods, or sites with industrial history.
In addition to building materials, investigations sometimes identify lead in items such as spices, cosmetics, toys, ceramics, or traditional remedies.
This assessment tests for lead and heavy metals in relevant media—paint, dust, soil, water, or suspect products—depending on your situation and concerns. Samples are analysed by certified laboratories, and results are interpreted in context with relevant health guidance.
When it's typically relevant
- Your home was built before 1970 and may contain lead paint
- You're planning renovations that could disturb old paint layers
- You have young children and want to check for lead hazards
- You're concerned about contaminated soil from past industrial use
- You're purchasing an older property and want to understand lead risks
- You suspect lead contamination in drinking water from old pipes
- A paediatrician or doctor has identified elevated blood lead levels and recommended an environmental investigation
What it can and can't tell you
Can help clarify:
- •Whether lead paint is present and its condition
- •Lead levels in soil around the property
- •Lead and heavy metal concentrations in dust samples
- •Water quality testing for lead and other metals
- •Whether consumer goods or household items may be contributing
- •Recommendations for management or remediation based on findings
Cannot determine:
- •Whether exposure has caused health effects (blood lead testing is a medical test)
- •Complete history of all contaminants ever present on the site
- •Legal liability for contamination
- •Exact remediation costs or timelines
How scope is determined
Lead testing can be targeted (for example, specific painted surfaces before renovation) or more comprehensive (such as evaluating a property following elevated blood lead results).
After discussing your concerns and history, an appropriate approach will be recommended. In some situations, XRF screening may assist preliminary identification; however, laboratory analysis of samples is typically required to confirm concentrations and exposure risk.
Next step
An initial discussion helps determine whether this is appropriate for your situation.