Lead Dust Wipe Testing in NYC: Clearance Limits and Cost
A lead dust wipe test measures how much lead dust is on floors, window sills, and window wells. In NYC, a room passes clearance after lead work only if results are at or below 5 µg/ft² on floors, 40 µg/ft² on window sills, and 100 µg/ft² on window wells. The test is required before a lead violation can be certified as fixed.
A certified inspector or risk assessor wipes a measured square on each surface with a special wet wipe. Each wipe goes into a sealed tube and is sent to a lab. Typical clearance sampling includes at least one floor, sill, and window well in each work area. The person taking samples should be independent from the crew that did the work.
After abatement or interim controls. After repairing an HPD lead violation. After turnover work in a covered apartment. When a child has an elevated blood lead level. Before moving a family back into a unit.
Lab fees often run about $25-$50 per sample, plus the inspector's visit. A one-room clearance commonly costs around $200-$450 total. These are typical ranges, not fixed prices. Rush results cost more.
The area must be cleaned again (HEPA vacuum and wet wipe) and retested. Failures usually come from leftover dust in window wells or on rough floors. Sealing worn floors makes passing easier.
Read lead clearance testing explained and HPD Certificate of Correction. Check open violations on our HPD violation lookup or get a free estimate.