Hammer Creek Environmental LLC

01/14/2026

Did you know Pennsylvania has the nation's 2nd highest number of children poisoned by lead?

01/14/2026

Did you know that VA loans require Lead Paint home inspections?

VA Requirements for Lead Paint
Lead-based paint can also pose financing hazards to a potential VA loan borrower. The VA requires that loose lead-based paint be treated and removed before a VA loan can move toward approval.

While vague on some property guidelines, the VA offers clear-cut rules regarding lead-based paint: “Lead-based paint constitutes an immediate hazard that must be corrected unless testing shows that lead is not present in the paint at a level above that permitted by law.”

Let us know how we can help you navigate this inspection for you or your client.

12/29/2025

As we step into the New Year, we at Hammer Creek Environmental want to take the time to make everyone aware that on January 12, 2026, the new EPA Lead Clearance numbers go into effect for the state of Pennsylvania.

Floors will go from the old number of 10 µg/ft² to 5 µg/ft²

Windowsills will go from 100 µg/ft² to 40 µg/ft²

Window troughs will go from 400 µg/ft² to 100 µg/ft²

If you are a property owner, Landlord, or a Lead Contractor you need to be aware of this change.

Now would be a great time to review your cleaning practices with your Team before this change goes into effect.

12/04/2025

Did you know your family Christmas tree in the 70's was possibly toxic?

Lead in Christmas tinsel
The use of lead in Christmas tinsel has been a significant concern since the 1970s when the FDA revealed that most tinsel was made of lead. Lead is toxic to all humans and poses a particular risk to small children, as it can lead to comas, seizures, and even death. The FDA's warning in 1972 led to a reputation for tinsel as a toxic holiday decoration, and it was not seen much for the next forty years. However, a renewed interest in tinsel in 2017 brought modern iterations that are not made of lead. Despite this, tinsel can still pose dangers, such as choking hazards due to small pieces that can be easily ingested. It is recommended to avoid tinsel altogether if you have small children or pets to ensure their safety.

11/26/2025

One of the things that amazes me on a daily basis is going into people's homes and seeing items that are contaminated with Lead Hazards that they themselves unknowingly brought into the home.

People enjoy the vintage, crafty and recycled look. Often times these items are polluted with Lead Paint hazards.

Recently I was at a home inspection and there was a craft item on the wall made from a recycled window sash. When tested with the XRF gun it came back with a positive reading of 7.4 mg/cm2 a positive reading of 1.0 is an action level.

When considering purchasing or accepting these recycled items please ask if they have been tested for Lead paint hazards.

08/06/2025

Sharing this post from GHHI. A Inspector in MD was cited for issuing false lead safe certificates. A pretty dastardly thing to do when it puts people’s health especially children! Please take the time to research your inspector and make sure they are a reputable company or individual.
Your families or the families you are responsible for are at risk!

An inspection had illegally cleared their home of risks of toxic lead paint, residents learned in the letters.

01/01/2025

Saying goodbye to 2024, wishing everyone a safe and healthy New Year! Here’s to making your home safe for Families to live in!

12/25/2024

From All of us to All of you! Wishing you and your family a safe and Merry Christmas!

10/24/2024

The new rules consider any detectable level of lead dust in a building a “lead hazard,” requiring property owners to pay for cleanup.

10/24/2024

The EPA just announced new testing levels starting next year! What a historical event during Lead Poison Prevention Week!

This is going to make clearances that much more difficult to achieve, while ultimately making homes safer for children to live in.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/24/climate/epa-lead-paint-dust-rules.html

This is a nice article by Hiriko Tabuchi of the New York Times.

The new rules consider any detectable level of lead dust in a building a “lead hazard,” requiring property owners to pay for cleanup.

10/10/2024

EPA News Release: EPA Issues Final Rule Requiring Replacement of Lead Pipes Within 10 Years, Announces over $40.5M in Funding to Missouri to Provide Clean Water to Schools and Homes