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The National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP)

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What is NLLAP?

EPA has established the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) to recognize laboratories that demonstrate the ability to accurately analyze paint chip, dust, or soil samples for lead. A fixed-site laboratory, a mobile laboratory, or a testing firm that operates portable equipment are all eligible to obtain EPA recognition through the NLLAP. An organization may choose to be recognized for one, two, or all three of the sample types in the NLLAP.

When Must Samples Be Analyzed by a Laboratory Recognized by EPA?

In states and tribal lands where EPA is operating a federal lead program, any dust samples collected in a risk assessment, lead hazard screen, or clearance after a lead abatement must be analyzed by a laboratory or testing firm recognized by EPA under the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP).

In states or tribal lands where the state or tribe is operating an EPA authorized program, the same requirement for analysis of dust samples by an NLLAP recognized laboratory or testing firm is in place for most states and tribes. However, a state or tribe may have testing regulations that differ from the EPA requirements, even though the overall program is authorized by EPA. To be sure what the requirements are, check with the state or tribal program where you want to do sampling. For information on whether your state or tribe has a EPA federal program or a state/tribal program authorized by EPA, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD(5323) or access the most current state and tribal authorization map (PDF) (1 pg, 67 K).

It is possible for a city or other local government to have its own additional regulations, so check in your locality as well for any testing requirements.

How Does NLLAP Work?

NLLAP provides the public with a list of laboratories that have met EPA requirements and demonstrated the capability to accurately analyze paint chips, dust, or soil samples for lead. All laboratories recognized by NLLAP are required to undergo on-site audits conducted by accrediting organizations participating in the NLLAP, and to perform successfully on a continuing basis in the Environmental Lead Proficiency Analytical Testing (ELPAT) Program. ELPAT is a proficiency testing program established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and EPA.

EPA currently recognizes the AIHA and the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) as accrediting organizations for the NLLAP. To apply for accreditation under the NLLAP, contact either the AIHA Exit Disclaimer or the A2LA Exit Disclaimer.

A current list of NLLAP laboratories can be obtained from the monthly NLLAP list (PDF) (11 pp, 31 K). See also the associated cover letter. A current list can also be obtained by calling the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

To learn about past performance or complaint history of a laboratory or testing firm on the NLLAP list, contact the AIHA at 703-849-8888 or the A2LA at 301-644-3200.

Laboratories and other testing firms on the NLLAP list follow the Laboratory Quality System Requirements (LQSR), version 2 (PDF) (47 pp, 97 K) developed by EPA. The Laboratory Quality System Requirements (LQSR) has been revised for a second time. This second revision, Laboratory Quality System Requirements (LQSR), version 3.0 (PDF) (58 pp, 262 K) will be phased in over the next eighteen months. During that time the laboratory accrediting organizations will incorporate the requirements of LQSR 3.0 in their lead laboratory accreditation process. During this phase-in period laboratories will still be in compliance following LQSR version 2, recognizing that LQSR version 2 will be out of date as of July 23, 2009.

The applicable Federal Register Notice, dated January 23, 2008, is titled National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP); Notice of Availability of Revisions to the NLLAP; Notice of Availability.

Anyone interested in seeing comments from reviewers and stakeholders on the LQSR version 3.0 will find them at regulations.gov under EPA docket ID #EPA-HQ-OPPT-2005-0044.

Other organizations, including states, may apply to EPA to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with EPA to become accrediting organizations in the NLLAP. EPA has developed a Model Memorandum of Understanding for other potential NLLAP accrediting organizations.

What Other Information is Available on the NLLAP?

Other reports and documents related to the NLLAP are listed below. These can be obtained by following the links below and accessing the documents on-line.

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