How long must an inspector wait to take dust samples after cleanup has occurred?

After a lead cleanup, it is essential for an inspector to wait a certain period before taking dust samples to ensure accurate results. Waiting for one hour allows any potential residual dust or particles that may have been disturbed during the cleanup process to settle. This timeframe helps in obtaining a reliable representation of the lead dust levels present in the environment, as it ensures that the samples collected are not impacted by any ongoing cleanup activities.

Taking samples immediately after cleanup could yield misleading results, as the dust particles may still be airborne or in the process of settling. The one-hour wait period strikes a balance, allowing sufficient time for the environment to stabilize while providing timely results for the assessment. This practice is aligned with industry standards to ensure that lead assessments are both accurate and protective of health.