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Sherlock's Environmental Services, LLC
5.0(
4
)
Toxic Lead - AbatementToxic Lead - Testing

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"We contacted Sherlock's because my daughter tested high for lead.  We rushed to find a company to help us identify where the contamination was coming from.  I found Sherlock through google and had the best first impression of them than from the other companies I called.

Sally explained the process of lead testing our home clearly.  They performed the lead test less than 2 days from when I called them.  Sally and Chuck came to our home together and tested inside and out for 2 hours.  In the end, we found no source of lead contamination at our home (meaning it must be coming from an outside source).  They provided a thorough report and the price was reasonable.  They are also easy to get a hold of.

Since having them perform the testing, I have heard other positive reviews of this company.  And I will recommend them to anyone who is unfortunate enough to have a poor blood lead score.

I will also never buy a new home without them inspecting it first."
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Stanley's Home Improvement
Stanley's Home Improvement
3.3(
12
)
Toxic Lead - AbatementToxic Lead - Testing

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It was apparent they were very skilled. They quickly dropped the huge limbs without a scratch on the house, fence or sheds surrounding the tree. They arrived on time and cleaned the area to my satisfaction before leaving. And they were competetively priced! I can't say enough good things about this company."
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+8

Recommended by77%of homeowners
Lead Testing and Removal questions, answered by experts

You should ask a few questions to ensure that your potential lead removal professional is experienced and qualified to handle lead-paint abatement safely, legally, and properly.

  • What are your qualifications and experience removing lead-based paint?

  • Are you licensed and certified to remove lead-based paint?

  • How do you test for lead paint?

  • What methods do you use for lead-based paint abatement?

  • What do you plan to do with the hazardous material when you remove it from the home?

  • Do you do replacement and painting work or removal only?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous waste is generally classified into four main categories:

1. Characteristic Wastes: These exhibit at least one of four hazardous traits: ignitability (flammable, like gasoline), corrosivity (can rust or decompose materials, like car batteries), reactivity (unstable and can explode, like aerosol cans), or toxicity (harmful when ingested, like lead-based paint).

2. Listed Wastes: These are specific wastes from manufacturing and industrial processes that the EPA has officially designated as hazardous. They include byproducts from processes that use solvents, pesticides, and other chemicals.

3. Universal Wastes: These are commonly generated hazardous items that are subject to streamlined regulations. Examples include batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment (e.g., bulbs), and some lamps.

4. Mixed Wastes: This category includes waste that contains both hazardous and radioactive components, making it subject to regulation by both the EPA and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Professional testing for lead paint costs about $300, ranging from about $250 to $700, depending on the square footage, accessibility, and location. However, testing for lead paint with a DIY home-testing kit costs about $25, but doesn’t guarantee accurate results. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using a lead test kit that complies with the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, which has strict criteria for ensuring a more accurate reading.

Common home surfaces to test for lead include:

  • Walls

  • Windows

  • Doors

  • Molding and trim

  • Railings

Exterior paint contains a higher level of VOCs, which can be dangerous if you’re exposed to it for a long period of time. The good news is that paint’s toxicity reduces significantly once fully dried and cured. Do not keep open exterior paint cans in your home, basement, or garage, exposing your household to harmful chemicals over time.

You do not have to remove lead paint if the surface is not chipping or peeling or if there are no pregnant people or children under the age of six who live in or regularly visit your home. Lead paint is a particular risk for young children whose brains and bodies are not fully developed. Experts strongly recommend that you call a pro to remove lead paint if it’s peeling or flaking, no matter who lives in the home. You can experience lead poisoning by breathing in or ingesting just a small amount of it.

The Columbia, IL homeowners’ guide to lead testing and removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.