EPA Recognizes IAS to Accredit Laboratories under National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) formally recognizes the International Accreditation Service (IAS) to accredit laboratories under the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP). Laboratories that are accredited by IAS for the analysis of lead in the matrices of paint films, dust and soil will be recognized by the EPA under the NLLAP as being capable of performing adequate analyses for lead in paint films (chips), dust and soil samples.
Raj Nathan, President of IAS said “Lead is a significant risk to the health of people who come in contact with it in their environment. IAS is pleased to be part of the solution the EPA has put in place to help mitigate the problem.” The NLLAP is an EPA program that defines the minimum requirements and abilities that a laboratory must meet to attain EPA recognition as an accredited lead testing laboratory. EPA established NLLAP to recognize laboratories that demonstrate the ability to accurately analyze paint chips, dust, or soil samples for lead.
Fixed-site laboratories, mobile laboratories, and testing firms that operate portable equipment are all eligible to obtain EPA recognition under NLLAP. An organization may choose to be recognized for one, two, or all three of the sample types (paint chips, dust, and soil).
NLLAP ensures that participating laboratories have met EPA requirements and demonstrated the capability to accurately analyze paint chips, dust, or soil samples for lead. All laboratories recognized by EPA under NLLAP are required to undergo on-site assessments conducted by an accreditation body participating in NLLAP, and to successfully perform on a continual basis in the Environmental Lead Proficiency Analytical Testing (ELPAT) Program. The ELPAT is the EPA-approved laboratory performance proficiency testing program administered by the American Industrial Hygiene Association to ensure that laboratories continue to accurately analyze samples for lead.
In states, territories and tribes where EPA is operating a federal lead-based paint activity program, any paint chips, dust or soil samples collected in a risk assessment, lead hazard screen, or clearance after a lead abatement must be analyzed by a laboratory or testing firm recognized by EPA under NLLAP. In states, territories or tribes where the state, territory or tribe administers its own EPA-authorized program, the requirements for the analysis of paint chips, dust, and soil samples by an EPA-recognized NLLAP laboratory or testing firm are a minimum requirement. Even though the overall program is authorized by EPA, a state, territory or tribe may have additional testing regulations that are more stringent than EPA requirements.
For more information about IAS accreditation of laboratories under the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP), visit the IAS website or email iasinfo@iasonline.org.
