Lead-Based Paint Abatement and Evaluation Program

The Lead-Based Paint Abatement and Evaluation Program is the federal regulatory framework—administered by the EPA—that governs how contractors inspect, assess, and permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards in residential and child-occupied buildings. This program is separate from the RRP Rule: RRP covers renovation; the Abatement and Evaluation Program covers hazard elimination, which is more specialized and tightly regulated.

Under this program, only EPA-certified professionals may perform:

• Lead inspections (to determine where lead paint exists)

• Risk assessments (to identify hazards that pose health risks)

• Lead abatement (permanent removal of lead hazards through removal, enclosure, encapsulation, or replacement)

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The program requires:

• EPA-certified abatement firms

• Certified Lead Inspectors, Risk Assessors, and Abatement Supervisors

• Strict work practices, documentation, and post-abatement clearance testing

• Use of approved methods and disposal procedures

This program exists to protect residents—especially children—from exposure to lead dust and deteriorating lead-based paint, which can cause serious long-term health and developmental issues. It focuses on permanent hazard removal, not temporary controls or routine renovation activity.