Cal. Civ. Code § 460.740
Testing Methods
Operative Text
The following are approved testing methods:
(A) Testing with X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer. Lead inspectors shall operate the instrument in
conformity with the manufacturer’s instructions and training and educational materials approved by the
Director. The instrument’s standardization must be verified at least once a day when the instrument is
being operated, or more often if so specified by the manufacturer, and a logbook must be maintained
of all readings made during standardization verification.
(B) Testing with 6% to 8% Sodium Sulfide Solution. Lead inspectors and code enforcement lead
determination inspectors shall use sodium sulfide solution in conformity with instructions in training and
educational materials approved by the Director. This test shall not be performed directly on iron or
copper pipes, railings or radiators, or other metal surfaces.
(C) Any other method approved in writing by the Director.Section 460.740 of 105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 establishes the approved methods that certified lead inspectors may use when testing for lead in residential settings in Massachusetts. Two specific techniques are recognized: X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis and a sodium sulfide solution test, with the sodium sulfide method carrying restrictions on certain metal surfaces such as iron pipes, copper pipes, railings, and radiators. A third pathway exists for any additional method that receives written approval from the Director of the relevant state agency.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 § 460.740, property owners who commission lead inspections should be aware that only state-approved testing methods are valid for compliance purposes. Compliant operators typically ensure that any lead inspector they engage is using either XRF equipment with a properly maintained daily standardization logbook, an approved sodium sulfide solution applied in accordance with Director-approved materials, or another method with written Director approval. Retaining documentation of the inspection method used, including the inspector's logbook records, is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 460.740 of 105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.000 governs which testing methods are legally recognized when a lead inspection is conducted in a Massachusetts residence, which is relevant to tenants—particularly those with young children—who have rights related to lead safety. If a tenant has questions about whether an inspection was conducted using an approved method, or whether results from a particular test are valid, tenant-rights organizations and local boards of health can be resources for understanding what protections apply. Tenants may also consult the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's lead program or a legal aid organization to explore what options exist if an inspection appears to have been conducted improperly under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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