3M announced today that 3M™ LeadCheck™ Instant Lead Tests are now recognized for use in the State of Wisconsin, providing an instant and cost-effective way for certified lead-safe renovators to test for lead on painted wood, metal, plaster and drywall surfaces.
According to the latest census bureau housing numbers, 72% of Wisconsin homes were built before 1979 and the most common source of lead is from paint in homes and buildings built before 1978. To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule. The rule requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by the EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices.
The State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services recognizes the 3M LeadCheck Instant Lead Test kit for use in Wisconsin when performed by certified lead-safe renovators following the manufacturer’s instructions. More information can be found on the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services website at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/lead or www.3MLeadCheck.com.
Previously, no lead test kits were recognized for use in the State of Wisconsin. Paint testing had to be performed by a certified lead inspector or risk assessor using an XRF analyzer to test painted components on a site or another option was to take paint chip samples for laboratory testing.
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3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $30 billion in sales, 3M employs about 84,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.
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3MRobert Brittain, 651-733-7034rbrittain@mmm.com
