Minn. R. 4761 § 4761.2510
STANDARDS FOR LEAD IN PAINT, DUST, BARE SOIL, DRINKING WATER.
Operative Text
Subpart 1. Paint. Paint is lead-based if it: A. contains lead in a concentration of at least one-half of one percent (5,000 parts per million) or more by dry weight as measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry or by quantitative chemical analyses; or B. registers at least one milligram of lead per square centimeter or more as measured by an x-ray fluorescence analyzer, unless atomic absorption spectrophotometry or quantitative chemical analyses shows that the lead content is less than one-half of one percent by dry weight. Subp. 2. Dust. Dust is lead-contaminated if atomic absorption spectrophotometry or quantitative chemical analyses determines that it contains at least: A. ten micrograms of lead per square foot on an interior hard-surfaced floor or carpet; B. 100 micrograms of lead per square foot on an interior window sill; or C. 400 micrograms of lead per square foot in a window trough. Subp. 3. Bare soil. Bare soil on an affected property or on a play area is lead-contaminated if it contains lead in a concentration of at least 1/100 of one percent (100 parts per million) by weight. Subp. 4. Drinking water. Drinking water is lead-contaminated if it contains at least 15 micrograms of lead per liter of water.
Minn. R. 4761 § 4761.2510 establishes the scientific thresholds at which paint, dust, bare soil, and drinking water are officially classified as lead-contaminated under Minnesota law. Each medium has its own measurement standard: paint is assessed by chemical analysis or x-ray fluorescence, dust by surface loading on floors, window sills, and troughs, soil by concentration by weight, and drinking water by micrograms per liter. A property or component that meets or exceeds any of these thresholds triggers the regulatory definitions that govern lead hazard requirements in Minnesota.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Minnesota's lead regulations should be familiar with the specific thresholds defined in Minn. R. 4761 § 4761.2510, since these benchmarks determine whether a surface, dust sample, soil area, or water source is legally classified as lead-contaminated. Compliant operators typically use certified inspectors and accredited laboratories employing atomic absorption spectrophotometry, quantitative chemical analyses, or approved x-ray fluorescence equipment to generate defensible test results. Maintaining documentation of all testing results and remediation actions is a standard practice for demonstrating compliance with Minnesota's lead standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minn. R. 4761 § 4761.2510 defines the exact levels at which paint, dust, soil, and drinking water in a residence are considered lead-contaminated under Minnesota law, which is relevant to understanding what triggers a landlord's lead-related obligations. Tenants who suspect lead hazards in their home may request information about any lead inspections or risk assessments that have been conducted on the property. General enforcement paths include contacting the Minnesota Department of Health, reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization, or consulting with a legal aid office familiar with housing and environmental health regulations.
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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