NLLAP Cover Letter for Laboratory List

National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP)

NLLAP List of Recognized Laboratories

May 2012

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Pollution Prevention & Toxics

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Public Health Service

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Attached you will find a copy of the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) List (PDF) (9 pp, 122K, about PDF). The NLLAP List is a state-by-state listing of laboratories. These laboratories are recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as having met NLLAP laboratory performance requirements and having demonstrated they can accurately analyze for lead in paint chip, dust, and/or soil samples associated with the abatement and control of lead-based paint. The matrix or matrices, (paint chips, dust wipes and/or soils) for which the NLLAP laboratory is recognized is specified on the list.

NLLAP was established by the EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) under the legislative directive of Title X, the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992. In order for laboratories to be recognized under the NLLAP they must successfully participate in the Environmental Lead Proficiency Analytical Testing (ELPAT) Program and undergo a systems audit.

The ELPAT Program is a cooperative effort of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the EPA OPPT. The acceptable range for the ELPAT test samples is based upon consensus values from reference laboratories. A laboratory's performance for each matrix is rated as proficient if their ELPAT results are within three standard deviations of the determined acceptable range for 75 percent of the ELPAT test samples.

The NLLAP required systems audit must include an on-site evaluation by a private or public laboratory accreditation organization recognized by NLLAP. Some of the areas evaluated in the systems audit include laboratory personnel qualifications and training, analytical instrumentation, analytical methods, quality assurance procedures and record keeping procedures.

The NLLAP List is updated on a monthly basis. Updated copies can be obtained upon request by calling the National Lead Information Clearinghouse:

1-800-424-LEAD (5323).