ESAESA InspectionsSan Diego · Southern California

LBP · RISK ASSESSMENT

Commercial Lead Inspection San Diego, CA

Lead-based paint inspections, XRF testing and risk assessments for renovation, compliance and due diligence.

Lead-based paint is common in buildings constructed before 1978 and poses serious health risks when disturbed during renovation, repainting or demolition.

We identify lead-based paint using XRF analyzers and paint-chip sampling, assess dust and soil hazards, and provide reports that support Cal/OSHA lead-in-construction and EPA RRP compliance.

ESA Inspections provides commercial lead inspection services in San Diego and throughout Southern California — San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Imperial, Kern and San Luis Obispo Counties.

What's included

  • ✓XRF lead-based paint inspection
  • ✓Paint-chip, dust-wipe and soil sampling
  • ✓Lead hazard risk assessment
  • ✓Pre-renovation and pre-demolition lead surveys
  • ✓Abatement specifications
  • ✓Clearance testing after abatement

Who needs it

  • Owners of pre-1978 commercial and multifamily buildings
  • Contractors planning renovation or demolition
  • Buyers and lenders performing due diligence
  • Childcare, school and healthcare facilities

Typical timeline

XRF results on site; full report typically within 3–5 business days.

Frequently asked questions

What is XRF testing?

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive method that measures lead content in painted surfaces in seconds, without removing paint.

What is the difference between a lead inspection and risk assessment?

An inspection identifies lead-based paint. A risk assessment evaluates where lead hazards are present and recommends ways to control them.

Does XRF testing damage painted surfaces?

No. XRF testing is generally non-destructive and provides a reading in seconds without removing a paint chip.

When are paint-chip samples used?

Paint chips may be collected to confirm inconclusive readings, test materials unsuitable for XRF, or meet a specific project requirement.

Why are dust-wipe samples collected?

Dust wipes measure lead loading on floors, windows and other surfaces to evaluate exposure or verify cleaning after hazard-control work.

Do commercial renovations have lead requirements?

They may. Worker-protection and lead-in-construction requirements can apply when lead-containing coatings are disturbed, regardless of residential status.

Can occupants remain during testing?

Often yes. XRF testing creates little disruption, while access and any physical sampling are coordinated to protect occupants and operations.

What is lead clearance testing?

Clearance combines a visual assessment with dust sampling, when applicable, to document conditions after abatement or hazard-control work.

Choosing the right lead evaluation

A lead-based paint inspection identifies painted components that contain lead. A risk assessment goes further by evaluating deteriorated paint, dust, soil and conditions that could create exposure. A pre-renovation survey focuses on materials affected by a planned construction scope.

The correct service depends on the building use, age, occupants and purpose of the report. Multifamily housing, childcare, schools, healthcare, industrial facilities and commercial renovations can involve different exposure and compliance considerations.

XRF screening and laboratory samples

X-ray fluorescence provides immediate, non-destructive readings on many painted components and helps efficiently map lead-based paint throughout a building. Paint-chip samples may be used where an XRF reading is inconclusive or where laboratory confirmation is appropriate.

Dust-wipe samples evaluate lead loading on surfaces, while soil samples may be appropriate near older painted exteriors or other potential sources. The final report documents locations, methods, results and the criteria used for interpretation.

  • ✓Room-by-room component testing
  • ✓XRF instrument quality checks
  • ✓Targeted paint-chip or dust sampling
  • ✓Clear schedules of tested materials

Managing lead during renovation and abatement

When lead-containing coatings will be disturbed, planning should address worker protection, occupant separation, dust control, housekeeping and waste characterization. Requirements depend on the work, building type and regulatory programs that apply.

After hazard-control or abatement work, visual review and clearance dust sampling may be used to document readiness for reoccupation. Independent clearance helps the owner verify results before spaces are returned to occupants.

Service areas