FAQs

Are 3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs EPA recognized on plaster and drywall?

Yes, as of April 1, 2012, 3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs are EPA recognized for use on wood, ferrous metal, plaster and drywall surfaces: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/testkit.htm.

Can I just assume there is lead and not use 3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs?

If you assume there is lead, then you are missing the opportunity to use 3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs to help you win the job. At less than $5 per swab, they are an instant, easy to use and reliable tool that only turns red when lead is present — down to 600 parts per million - ppm. When a swab turns red, you can use the visual result to educate homeowners on the harmful effects of lead and lead poisoning. Then bid the job accordingly, using RRP lead-safe work practices. Using 3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs can help give you the credibility as a reputable contractor and allow you to be more professional than your competition. For more information go to www.EPA.gov/lead.

Why should I test for lead?

Any amount of lead is hazardous, and 3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs can test to 600 parts per million (ppm). Since April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting (RRP) projects in pre-1978 homes, schools and daycare facilities are required to be certified and follow lead-safe work practices.  This EPA-issued RRP rule is aimed at preventing lead poisoning.

Whether the instant lead test comes up negative or positive, it provides the opportunity for an accurate job bid.  It also opens the door for more important lead safety conversations to help you win the trust of your customers.  It’s another way to establish your company as a professional, reliable and knowledgeable contractor – leading to more winning bids and referrals.

3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs only turn red when lead is present (down to 600 ppm).  So there are no false positives from your customer’s point of view.

I don’t see a lot of EPA enforcement in my area, so why should I bother testing for lead with
3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs?

EPA fines can include:

Any amount of lead is hazardous, and 3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs can test to 600 parts per million (ppm). So testing with these swabs and using Lead Safe Work practices is the right thing to do for your customer, his/her neighbors, and your workers.

If you do not test, you are missing the opportunity to use 3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs to help you win the job. At less than $5 per swab, they are an instant, easy to use and reliable tool that only turns red when lead is present (down to 600 ppm). When a swab turns red, you can use the visual result to educate homeowners on the harmful effects of lead and lead poisoning. Then bid the job accordingly, using RRP lead-safe work practices. Using 3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs can help give you the credibility as a reputable contractor and allow you to be more professional than your competition.

For more information go to www.EPA.gov/lead.

Do 3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs have false positives?

3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs only turn red when lead is present — down to 600 parts per million - ppm. So there are no false positives from your customer’s point of view.

The EPA defines lead-based paint as having greater than or equal to 5,000 ppm lead. (Definition found on the EPA website: www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadtest.pdf)

Several states have been authorized by the EPA to operate their own lead program and may have a more stringent standard than the EPA. So, technically, you could get a “false positive” with 3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs because the EPA’s ppm minimum limit is higher than 600 ppm. HOWEVER, lead dust is the main contributor to lead poisoning, and any amount of lead is hazardous. Regardless of the amount of lead, you should test using 3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs, and you should use lead safe work practices as it is the best way to assure the safety of your customer, their neighbors and your workers.

For more information go to www.EPA.gov/lead.

Do they have a shelf life?

3M™ LeadCheck™ Swabs have no shelf life. Unless the ampoules/vials are cracked, they will have an indefinite shelf life.

How do I use the test on red surfaces?

Since RED MEANS LEAD™, you will want to confirm there is no bleeding from the red surface before you test for lead with a 3M™ LeadCheck™ Swab. Crush Vial "B" (liquid) only, and bring a drop of the clear colorless fluid to the tip of the Swab. Rub the tip of the Swab on the red surface. If any red color appears on the tip, then the surface has "bled". You will not be able to perform the test if bleeding occurs. If NO "bleed", then perform the test as normal. You may also refer to the Instruction Manual inside each package under "Red Surfaces/Red Lead."

How many people have been trained on the RRP Rule since the training was rolled out in 2009?

Through the end of March 2011, 647,108. For more information go to www.EPA.gov/lead.