Lead Standards Quick Reference - Paint, Dust, Soil, Air, and Water
All key lead regulatory thresholds in one place: paint, dust action levels, soil screening levels, OSHA PEL, and drinking water.
Lead-Based Paint Definition
| Measurement Method | Threshold | Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| XRF (in place) | 1.0 mg/cm2 | TSCA Section 401 / OAC 3701-32-19 |
| Laboratory (weight) | 0.5% (5,000 ppm) | TSCA Section 401 / OAC 3701-32-19 |
Any paint or surface coating meeting or exceeding either threshold is classified as lead-based paint.
Dust-Lead Standards
Dust-Lead Reportable Levels (for Risk Assessments)
As of January 13, 2025, any detectable level of lead in dust reported by an accredited laboratory is a dust-lead reportable level. This replaced the previous numeric thresholds of 10 ug/ft2 (floors) and 100 ug/ft2 (window sills).
Dust-Lead Action Levels (for Abatement Clearance)
Effective January 12, 2026:
| Surface | Action Level | Previous Clearance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Floors | 5 ug/ft2 | 10 ug/ft2 |
| Interior window sills | 40 ug/ft2 | 100 ug/ft2 |
| Window troughs | 100 ug/ft2 | 400 ug/ft2 |
After an abatement, every individual dust wipe sample must be below the action level. These levels replaced the previous “clearance levels” terminology.
Note: HUD’s Lead Safe Housing Rule (24 CFR 35) may have different clearance levels that apply to federally assisted housing. When HUD and EPA standards conflict, the more stringent standard applies.
Soil-Lead Standards
EPA Residential Soil Screening Levels (CERCLA/RCRA Sites)
| Condition | Screening Level | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (standard) | 200 ppm | January 2024 |
| Residential (multiple lead sources) | 100 ppm | January 2024 |
| Previous standard | 400 ppm | 1994-2024 |
These screening levels apply to CERCLA (Superfund) sites and RCRA corrective action facilities. They are not cleanup standards - they are thresholds for determining whether further investigation is needed.
EPA Removal Management Level (CERCLA/RCRA Sites)
| Level | Effective Date |
|---|---|
| 600 ppm | October 2025 directive |
| Previous RML | 200 ppm (January 2024) |
| Original RML | 400 ppm (1994) |
The RML is the threshold for evaluating whether a removal action may be warranted.
EPA Soil-Lead Hazard Standard (TSCA - Residential)
| Area | Hazard Standard |
|---|---|
| Play areas | 400 ppm |
| Rest of yard | 1,200 ppm |
These are the TSCA Section 403 standards for identifying soil-lead hazards during risk assessments. Note that the CERCLA/RCRA screening levels (200/100 ppm) are more stringent.
Target Blood Lead Level
EPA uses a target children’s blood lead level of 5 ug/dL to determine preliminary remediation goals at CERCLA/RCRA sites (per the October 2025 directive). CDC’s blood lead reference value is 3.5 ug/dL.
Drinking Water
| Standard | Level | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Lead action level | 10 ug/L | SDWA / Lead and Copper Rule Improvements |
| Previous action level | 15 ug/L | Original Lead and Copper Rule |
| MCLG | 0 ug/L | SDWA (non-enforceable health goal) |
The action level is not an MCL. It is a trigger for water system-level actions (treatment optimization, public notification, lead service line replacement) when more than 10% of tap samples exceed the level.
OSHA Workplace Exposure Limits
Construction Standard (29 CFR 1926.62)
| Limit | Concentration | Averaging Period |
|---|---|---|
| Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) | 50 ug/m3 | 8-hour TWA |
| Action Level | 30 ug/m3 | 8-hour TWA |
General Industry Standard (29 CFR 1910.1025)
| Limit | Concentration | Averaging Period |
|---|---|---|
| Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) | 50 ug/m3 | 8-hour TWA |
| Action Level | 30 ug/m3 | 8-hour TWA |
Both standards use the same numeric limits. The construction standard has additional provisions specific to demolition, renovation, and abatement activities. See OSHA Lead in Construction for details.
RRP Rule Thresholds
| Threshold | Limit |
|---|---|
| Pre-1978 trigger | Target housing built before January 1, 1978 |
| Interior de minimis | 6 SF per room |
| Exterior de minimis | 20 SF |
| Window replacement | Never considered de minimis |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current EPA residential soil lead screening level?
EPA's current residential soil lead screening level is 200 ppm, effective January 2024. This replaced the previous 400 ppm standard. For sites with multiple lead sources, a more protective 100 ppm level applies. These are CERCLA screening levels, not cleanup standards - exceedance triggers further evaluation, not automatic cleanup.
What is lead-based paint and how is it measured?
Lead-based paint is paint or surface coating containing 1.0 mg/cm2 or more by XRF analysis, or 0.5% (5,000 ppm) or more by laboratory weight analysis. Either threshold classifies the paint as lead-based under TSCA Section 401 and Ohio OAC 3701-32-19.
What are the dust-lead action levels for clearance testing after abatement?
As of January 12, 2026, dust-lead action levels for clearance testing are: 5 ug/ft2 for floors, 40 ug/ft2 for interior window sills, and 100 ug/ft2 for window troughs. Every individual sample must be below the action level. These replaced the previous clearance levels of 10/100/400 ug/ft2.
What is the lead action level for drinking water?
Under the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI, effective 2024), the lead action level for public water systems is 10 micrograms per liter (ug/L), down from the previous 15 ug/L. Exceedance requires corrosion control treatment optimization and accelerated lead service line replacement.
What is the OSHA lead action level for construction?
Under 29 CFR 1926.62, the OSHA action level for lead in construction is 30 ug/m3 (8-hour TWA). The permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 50 ug/m3. Workers exposed at or above the action level require medical surveillance and biological monitoring (blood lead testing).