What is the dust wipe standard for an interior windowsill in a lead hazard screen?

The dust wipe standard for an interior windowsill in a lead hazard screen is 50 micrograms per square foot (µg/ft²). This standard is established to help protect occupants, particularly children, from the hazards associated with lead exposure. Windowsills are critical areas to assess because they can accumulate dust that may contain lead particles, especially in older homes where lead-based paints were used.

The 50 µg/ft² standard functions as a threshold; if lead dust levels exceed this amount on a windowsill, it may indicate a lead hazard that requires intervention. Compliance with these standards ensures that potential exposure to lead is minimized, contributing directly to public health and safety. Understanding this standard is essential for risk assessors in evaluating lead hazards in residential environments and implementing appropriate remediation measures when necessary.