What type of clearance testing must be conducted after abatement activities?

After lead abatement activities, it is crucial to perform clearance testing specifically focused on lead dust levels on surfaces. This testing is essential to ensure that any lead dust that may have been released during the abatement process has been properly controlled and that the environment is safe for reoccupation.

Lead dust can pose serious health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women, as it can be inhaled or ingested. Clearance testing for lead dust measures the levels of lead residue on surfaces such as floors, window sills, and other accessible areas. The results help confirm that lead levels are below the established safety thresholds, indicating that the area is safe for inhabitants post-abatement.

While soil lead testing is important in addressing potential outdoor contamination, it is not the primary method for clearance verification after abatement activities. A visual inspection for paint damage is part of the overall evaluation process but does not measure lead dust levels directly. Air quality testing alone does not adequately assess the presence of lead on surfaces, which is the primary concern in a residential or commercial environment post-abatement.