Philadelphia has one of the highest rates of childhood lead poisoning in Pennsylvania. The city's aging housing stock — the vast majority of which was built before lead paint was banned in 1978 — is the primary source. Lead paint is not hazardous when it is intact and in good condition, but peeling, chipping, or sanding lead paint creates dust and chips that are extremely dangerous, particularly for children under six years old.
The City of Philadelphia has specific lead paint regulations under the Lead Paint Disclosure and Certification Law that apply to rental properties and certain sales transactions. Compliance is not optional — violations carry significant fines.
Philadelphia Specific: Philadelphia's Lead Paint Disclosure and Certification Law requires landlords renting to families with children under six to certify their property is lead-safe or lead-free. Properties that receive lead violation notices from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health must be remediated by EPA RRP-certified contractors. All contractors we work with hold EPA RRP certification.
Our Lead Paint Services
Lead Paint Inspection & Testing
A certified lead inspector tests all painted surfaces in your property using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology or paint chip sampling. You receive a written report identifying all lead-containing surfaces, their condition, and recommended actions. This report is required for Philadelphia rental property certification and real estate transactions involving pre-1978 properties.
Full Lead Paint Abatement
Complete removal of all lead-containing painted surfaces. This is the most protective option and results in a lead-free property certification. Abatement involves the complete removal of all identified lead paint — not just treatment — followed by dust clearance testing to confirm the space is safe. Required for properties with significant deterioration or where children live.
Lead Paint Encapsulation
For intact lead paint in good condition, encapsulation is a cost-effective alternative to full removal. A specialized encapsulant coating is applied over the lead-containing surface, creating a durable barrier that prevents lead exposure. Encapsulation is appropriate for surfaces that are not subject to friction or impact. Results in a lead-safe (not lead-free) certification.
Component Removal
Windows, doors, and trim are the most common sources of lead dust in Philadelphia homes because friction and impact during normal use creates fine lead dust. Component replacement — removing and replacing lead-painted windows and doors with new units — is often the most cost-effective solution for these surfaces and eliminates the ongoing lead dust hazard entirely.
Dust Clearance Testing
After any lead paint work, EPA regulations require dust wipe clearance testing to confirm that lead dust levels meet federal clearance standards. An independent certified risk assessor collects wipe samples from floors, window sills, and window wells and submits them to an accredited laboratory. You receive written clearance documentation within 24–48 hours.
Lead Paint Regulations in Philadelphia
Philadelphia's lead paint regulatory environment is more demanding than state or federal requirements alone:
- Rental properties built before 1978 and rented to families with children under six must be certified lead-safe or lead-free by a certified inspection firm
- Renovation contractors working on pre-1978 properties must be EPA RRP-certified and follow specific work practice standards
- Property sales involving pre-1978 structures require disclosure of known lead paint hazards and available records
- Lead violation notices issued by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health must be remediated by certified contractors within specified timelines
Lead Paint Removal Costs in Philadelphia
- Lead paint inspection (whole home): $300 – $600
- Component replacement (windows/doors): $300 – $800 per unit
- Encapsulation (per room): $500 – $1,500
- Full abatement (single room): $1,500 – $4,000
- Full abatement (whole home): $8,000 – $20,000
- Dust clearance testing: $250 – $500
Lead Paint and Asbestos: Common Combination
Pre-1978 Philadelphia properties almost always contain both lead paint and asbestos. Many homeowners discover both hazards simultaneously during renovation projects. We coordinate combined abatement projects that address both hazards in a single project with unified documentation — eliminating the need to schedule and manage two separate contractor relationships.