All children should have a blood lead-test as a routine part of their wellness visits at their regular clinic.

All Minnesota clinics are required to report your child's blood lead-test results to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

If your child tests positive — has a blood lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter or higher:

• MDH tells us
• We contact you 
• We help you identify and get rid of the sources of lead poisoning in your home

Free blood tests are available at the Sustainable Resource Center.

The first thing the inspector does is assess the lead risks at your property by: 

• Visually inspecting all painted surfaces for chipping and peeling paint
• Talking to you about what items in your home might contain lead and the risks to children
• Using an XRF (x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy) machine to test painted surfaces for lead content

The second thing the inspector does is collect XFR, dust and soil samples by:

• Wiping lead dust from floors, window wells and window sills
• Taking samples of soil near the foundation of your house and in your yard

The samples are analyzed by a laboratory.

• We'll give corrective orders to the property owner.
• Corrections must be completed within 60 days.

Our risk assessment reports outline:

• The results from the dust and soil samples
• What you need to do to correct any lead hazards 

Property owners must complete correction orders in 60 days. Typical orders are to:

• Stabilize painted surfaces
• Replace windows
• Clean windows and floors
• Cover bare soil

We meet with property owners onsite to review the report and answer your questions.

Property owners may:

• Complete correction orders on their own, or
• Enroll in a lead-safe renovation funding opportunity

Get information about lead-safe renovation funding

Before making any repairs, property owners must:

• Notify MDH of all lead-related work plans
• Complete the proper EPA training

Get information about EPA training requirements

Get information about licensed lead abatement specialists

The residents of the home may not be present while the repairs are being made.

• This is the law in Minnesota.
• The repairs usually take about a week.
• People may stay with friends or family or at a hotel. If you need help, talk to your inspector.

When the repairs are completed, we'll conduct a clearance inspection to determine if:

• The lead hazards have been abated
• The property is safe to re-occupy

If the property owner fails to comply with the order:

• They will receive administrative citations, and/or
• The residence may be condemned

Property owners are legally required to disclose the fact that lead paint was found on their property. They must:

• Keep the risk assessment and clearance reports 
• Share the report with all new property owners or renters 
• Keep all lead paint intact at all times

Learn about HUD lead disclosure rules