Lead Inspections and Risk Assessments
Lead Paint Testing for Michigan Properties and Child Care Centers
If a property was built before 1978, a lead-based paint inspection, lead hazard risk assessment, or a combined lead inspection risk assessment (LIRA) may be needed before purchase, licensing, renovation, or corrective work. The right evaluation helps determine where lead-based paint is present, whether lead hazards exist, and what steps may be needed next.
We provide lead paint inspections and risk assessments for Michigan property owners, prospective buyers, child care operators, and project teams who need clear documentation and practical next steps.
Lead Inspection vs. Lead Risk Assessment
A lead-based paint inspection is used to determine whether lead-based paint is present and where it is located. Under Michigan’s lead inspection rule, the inspector or risk assessor tests building components with a distinct painting history to identify lead-painted surfaces.
A lead risk assessment goes further. It evaluates whether lead hazards are present in paint, dust, or soil and identifies the nature, severity, and location of those hazards. A risk assessment alone does not identify every lead-painted surface.
For Michigan child care centers built before 1978, the rule now requires both a lead-based paint inspection and a lead hazard risk assessment, along with the required summary form, before an original license is issued. The assessment must be completed for all child use areas, including outdoor play areas, and any identified lead hazards must be addressed with clearance results provided to the department.
That means many child care projects now require a more complete Lead Inspection Risk Assessment (LIRA) rather than a risk assessment alone. In practical terms, this allows the evaluation to identify both all lead-painted surfaces in the affected space and the lead hazards that must be addressed.
Our Lead Paint Services
Depending on the property and project goals, services may include:
- lead-based paint inspections
- lead hazard risk assessments
- combined lead inspection risk assessments (LIRA)
- XRF testing of painted surfaces
- dust and soil sampling
- written reporting of findings and next steps
These services help owners understand whether they are dealing with lead-based paint, a lead hazard, or both.
Need a lead paint inspection, lead risk assessment, or LIRA in Michigan?
Request a quote today for lead paint testing, hazard evaluation, and child care licensing support.
FAQs
What is the difference between a lead inspection and a lead risk assessment?
A lead inspection identifies where lead-based paint is present. A lead risk assessment evaluates whether lead hazards are present in paint, dust, or soil.
What is a LIRA?
A Lead Inspection Risk Assessment (LIRA) combines a lead-based paint inspection with a lead hazard risk assessment so the client receives both identification of lead-painted surfaces and an evaluation of lead hazards. Michigan’s child care licensing materials now use this format for pre-1978 centers.
Do Michigan child care centers still only need testing of visibly hazardous paint?
No. For centers built before 1978, the current rule requires a lead-based paint inspection and lead hazard risk assessment for all child use areas, including outdoor play areas.
Who can perform a lead risk assessment?
A lead risk assessment must be performed by a certified risk assessor.