What happens if more than 1/2 inch of encapsulant is pulled off during the patch test?

When more than 1/2 inch of encapsulant is pulled off during the patch test, it indicates a significant failure of the encapsulation's integrity. The purpose of the patch test is to assess whether the encapsulant is adequately adhering to the substrate and if it is effective in sealing off the lead-based paint from potential exposure.

Exceeding the 1/2 inch threshold suggests that the encapsulant is not properly installed or has degraded, making it insufficient to ensure safety. In such cases, the entire room becomes ineligible for encapsulation. This is critical because effective containment of lead hazards is essential for public safety, especially in environments frequented by children or vulnerable populations. Therefore, if the patch test fails in such a manner, it serves as a clear indication that a more comprehensive remediation or abatement strategy needs to be implemented to address the lead hazard throughout the entire area.