What is the minimum number of dust wipes required for a clearance?

The minimum number of dust wipes required for a clearance is based on established guidelines to ensure an adequate assessment of lead dust levels in the environment after any lead hazard control activities. For a proper clearance evaluation, the chosen standard specifies that at least 13 dust wipes must be collected from designated surfaces within the residential area or site being assessed. This number is intended to provide a comprehensive representation of dust lead levels across different surfaces, accounting for variability and ensuring a reliable outcome of the clearance process.

Using fewer dust wipes may not accurately capture the lead dust levels present in the environment, potentially leading to a false sense of safety or overlooked lead hazards. Collecting an adequate number of wipes helps ensure that any lead contamination is effectively identified and addressed before reoccupying a space or completing a renovation project, thereby protecting public health.