WHAT you will need:

• Knife or chisel
• Clean hard containers (jars, film cannisters, etc.)
• Unpowdered disposable latex gloves (if available)
• Clean Hands

WHERE to sample:

If you have paint from different areas (different colors), it's a good idea to collect them as different samples.

If you are going to take several samples, be sure to wash your hands before collecting samples and use a clean pair of disposable latex gloves for each sample.

HOW to collect samples:

Collect the samples in the containers and write where you got the sample from on the outside with a permanent marker. Write this same information onto a piece of paper for your own records so that you can match the result(s) from the laboratory with the sample(s).

1. From a wall, window or doorway - Use a knife to scrape sections of paint, at least the size of a quarter, down to the bare wood, plaster, stucco. etc.  Don't take the wood, plaster, stucco, etc. with your sample or your results won't be accurate.  Be sure to get all layers of the paint.
2. From the Ground - Open the container, pick up different sizes, thickness, etc., of paint chips with an unused plastic spoon, and place the chips into the bag.  Seal the container.  Throw the spoon away, remove your gloves and throw them away, and wash your hands.

Send the samples to a lab certified by the California Department of Health Services.  A list of certified labs is available from your local health department or our Program's Information Line at
1-800-B-LEAD-SAFE.