Dear Alex,

You must first determine if there are any laws that govern such activity in your state. Many states require a person have a license for testing lead paint and radon. Others may be risky if protocols are not followed including chain of custody.

There is a difference between a homeowner doing tests on their own home and a professional hired gun coming in to do it for them. The tests sold at the hardware stores may not meet the requirements of a particular state or governing body for professional use but may be ok for a homeowner.

I’m not sure if you are asking about using these for testing or selling them to the client. If you are selling them you are likely going to be responsible for sales tax issues. There may be other liabilities in selling these kits and you should discuss this with a competent attorney.

If you are using them as a professional, they are likely inadequate. As a professional you are held to a higher standard of what you are allowed to do including your methods, test equipment, industry standards, standard of care and other issues. It is one thing to use these kits a homeowner (and understanding the limitations) but is a whole different story as a professional. As a professional, it’s not a good idea.

Environmental testing has its legal pitfalls and anyone desiring to offer such services should investigate the issues in great detail. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but if you are contemplating using these hardware store kits you haven’t begun investigating the issues. Consider your post and this response (and I’m sure others to follow) as the beginning of investigating the issues. I think that once you really look into environmental testing you’ll find that these kits are not the way to go.

I hope I have been able to be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Corey Friedman