--- title: "Free Lead Inspection in St. Louis County: Who Qualifies" description: "St. Louis County offers free in-home lead inspections if a child under six lives in or visits the home and has a recent venous blood lead test. See the rules." url: https://aes.multisites.ai/blog/st-louis-county-free-lead-inspections publisher: Advanced Environmental Services phone: +1-314-865-2662 quote: https://aes.multisites.ai/contact --- Local: St. Louis County: 4 min read, published October 30, 2026 # Free Lead Inspection in St. Louis County: Who Qualifies St. Louis County's Healthy Homes Program offers free in-home lead inspections to county residents. You qualify if a child under six lives in the home or visits regularly, and that child has a recent venous blood lead level test. Everyone else hires a lead inspector licensed by the state. [Request a Quote](https://aes.multisites.ai/contact)[(314) 865-2662](tel:+1-314-865-2662) ![AES crew member in a protective suit scraping old wall material from scaffolding](https://aes.multisites.ai/_astro/100.Beg0SK9K_Z2cMAXv.webp) ![Building wrapped in white containment sheeting with an AES storage container in front](https://aes.multisites.ai/_astro/AESI-083.BQiJ3BQs_Z1FKjAJ.webp) ![Mold spots on attic roof sheathing between wooden rafters](https://aes.multisites.ai/_astro/121._02wx8fs_Z18gd2e.webp) ## Who qualifies for St. Louis County’s free lead inspection? You qualify if you live in the county, a child under six lives in your home or visits regularly, and that child has a recent venous blood lead level test. The County’s Healthy Homes Program states it “does offer free in-home lead inspections for county residents.” Both conditions must be true. The County’s wording is short: “Residents must have a child under six that lives in the home or visits regularly and a recent venous blood lead level test for that child to be eligible.” A grandparent’s house counts if a grandchild visits regularly. A venous test is a blood draw from a vein. Your child’s doctor can order one. We cannot give medical advice, so ask the doctor what a result means. Requirement What the County asks for Where you live St. Louis County Child’s age Under six, living in the home or visiting regularly Blood test Recent venous blood lead level test for that child Cost Free, per the County ## What does the County inspection cover? The County page calls it an “in-home lead inspection” run by the Department of Public Health’s Healthy Homes Program. It does not list steps, timing or what the report contains. We will not guess. Call the Healthy Homes Program and ask what the visit includes and how long reports take. One point is clear. An inspection finds lead. It does not fix it. The County page says nothing about removal. If the inspection finds [lead-based paint](https://aes.multisites.ai/glossary/lead-based-paint) in poor condition, you still need a plan to deal with it. ## What if I do not qualify? Hire a licensed lead inspector. The County sends residents outside its criteria to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), which keeps a list of “licensed lead inspectors available for hire in your area.” DHSS runs searchable directories of licensed lead inspectors, risk assessors and abatement supervisors. Check the license before you hire. Missouri also sets a rule on testing. DHSS says paint chip sampling must be done by a licensed lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor. A licensed inspector often uses an [XRF analyzer](https://aes.multisites.ai/glossary/xrf-analyzer), a handheld device that reads lead in paint without cutting into it. ## How likely is lead paint in a St. Louis County home? Likely enough to test any older home. DHSS estimates that about 60% of Missouri homes built from 1960 to 1978 contain lead-based paint. That rises to 80% for 1940 to 1959 and up to 90% for homes built before 1949. St. Louis County has many older homes. The Census Bureau’s 2024 estimate counts 447,542 housing units in the county. About 301,975 were built before 1980, which is roughly 67.5%. About 225,726 (50.4%) were built before 1970. The Census groups homes by decade, so it cannot split out 1978 exactly. Home built Missouri lead paint estimate (DHSS) St. Louis County homes (Census, 2024) 1939 or earlier Up to 90% (before 1949) 41,106 1940 to 1949 Up to 90% (before 1949), 80% (1940 to 1959) 26,231 1950 to 1959 80% (1940 to 1959) 78,387 1960 to 1969 60% (1960 to 1978) 80,002 1970 to 1979 60% (1960 to 1978) 76,249 DHSS bands and Census decades do not line up exactly. Treat the table as a guide to scale, not a count of homes with lead. For the full picture, read our guide to [lead paint in pre-1978 homes](https://aes.multisites.ai/guides/lead-paint-in-pre-1978-homes) and our [lead paint facts](https://aes.multisites.ai/lead-paint-facts) page. ## When do I need a private inspection or an abatement contractor? Use the County if you meet its criteria. Hire a licensed inspector if you do not, or if you need testing before a renovation. Hire a licensed contractor when the plan is to remove, replace, enclose or encapsulate lead paint. DHSS is clear on the last step. Anyone doing “any abatement strategies (removal, replacement, enclosure and encapsulation) must still be licensed by Department of Health and Senior Services.” That is [lead abatement](https://aes.multisites.ai/glossary/lead-abatement), and it is different from lead-safe renovation under the EPA’s [RRP rule](https://aes.multisites.ai/glossary/rrp-rule). Our post on the [Missouri lead abatement license](https://aes.multisites.ai/blog/missouri-lead-abatement-license) explains the difference. 1. Ask whether you qualify for the County’s free inspection. 2. If not, hire a licensed inspector or risk assessor from the DHSS list. 3. Keep children away from chipping or damaged paint until you have results. 4. If abatement is needed, hire a licensed lead abatement contractor and verify the license with DHSS. ## Next step Learn how our [lead abatement](https://aes.multisites.ai/lead-abatement) service works, or see our [St. Louis County service area](https://aes.multisites.ai/service-areas/st-louis-county-mo). Call (314) 865-2662 or use the form at [/contact](https://aes.multisites.ai/contact) to talk through your test results. As of October 2026, check the County’s Healthy Homes page for current eligibility. ## Frequently asked questions ### Who qualifies for the free lead inspection in St. Louis County? County residents qualify when a child under six lives in the home or visits regularly, and the child has a recent venous blood lead level test. Both conditions apply. If either one is missing, the County points you to the state list of licensed lead inspectors. ### What is a venous blood lead test? It is a blood draw from a vein, as opposed to a finger prick. The County asks for a recent venous result for the child. Ask your child's doctor about getting one. We do not give medical advice, so follow your doctor's guidance on results. ### What if no child under six lives in my home? You do not qualify for the free County inspection. The County refers you to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) list of licensed lead inspectors you can hire. Pay for a licensed inspector or risk assessor, then act on the report. ### Does the free inspection remove the lead? The County page describes an inspection, not removal. If lead-based paint needs to be removed, replaced, enclosed or encapsulated, Missouri requires a licensed lead abatement professional and a licensed lead abatement contractor firm. ### Can I sand or scrape lead paint myself? No. Do not sand, scrape or burn paint you suspect has lead. That creates dust that can reach children. Have the paint tested by a licensed inspector first, then hire licensed professionals for any abatement work. ## Terms on this page - [Lead-based paint](https://aes.multisites.ai/glossary/lead-based-paint) - [Lead abatement](https://aes.multisites.ai/glossary/lead-abatement) - [Encapsulation](https://aes.multisites.ai/glossary/encapsulation) - [XRF analyzer](https://aes.multisites.ai/glossary/xrf-analyzer) - [RRP rule](https://aes.multisites.ai/glossary/rrp-rule) ## Sources 1. [St. Louis County Public Health: I would like my home tested for lead. May I request an environmental lead inspection?](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/healthy-homes/healthy-homes-faq/2-i-would-like-my-home-tested-for-lead-may-i-request-an-environmental-lead-inspection/) 2. [St. Louis County Public Health: Healthy Homes FAQ, referral to licensed inspectors](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/healthy-homes/healthy-homes-faq/2-i-would-like-my-home-tested-for-lead-may-i-request-an-environmental-lead-inspection/) 3. [Missouri DHSS: Lead Licensing, abatement must be licensed](https://health.mo.gov/business-professionals/lead-licensing) 4. [Missouri DHSS: Lead Licensing, lead paint share by home age](https://health.mo.gov/business-professionals/lead-licensing) 5. [Missouri DHSS: Missouri Licensed Lead Professionals](https://health.mo.gov/business-professionals/lead-licensing/missouri-licensed-lead-professionals) 6. [U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, table B25034 (via Census Reporter): St. Louis County, MO](https://api.censusreporter.org/1.0/data/show/latest?table_ids=B25034&geo_ids=05000US29189) Written by Advanced Environmental Services and checked against the sources above on October 30, 2026. Rules change, so check the linked page before you act. ## Keep reading - [Lead paint in pre-1978 homes: when to test, renovate safely or abateAny home built before 1978 may have lead-based paint. In Missouri, an estimated 60% of homes built 1960 to 1978 do, rising to 90% before 1949. Intact paint is a lower risk. Peeling paint and renovation dust are the problem. Missouri requires licensed lead professionals for abatement and for paint chip sampling.](https://aes.multisites.ai/guides/lead-paint-in-pre-1978-homes) - [Who needs a Missouri lead abatement license? RRP vs abatementIn Missouri, anyone who does lead abatement (removal, replacement, enclosure or encapsulation of lead-based paint) must be licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services, and the company must hold a lead abatement contractor license. Ordinary renovation work in pre-1978 housing falls under EPA's separate RRP certification instead.](https://aes.multisites.ai/blog/missouri-lead-abatement-license) - [Asbestos in older St. Louis homes: where it hides and what to doAsbestos can hide in floor tile, floor adhesive, siding, roof shingles, textured walls, pipe wrap, furnace parts and attic insulation. About 87% of St. Louis city housing units and 68% of St. Louis County units were built before 1980. The only way to know is a lab test from a certified inspector.](https://aes.multisites.ai/guides/asbestos-in-older-st-louis-homes) - [The asbestos removal process, step by stepProfessional asbestos removal follows a set order. A certified inspector surveys and samples the material. A registered contractor files notice with Missouri DNR when required, seals the work area, removes the material wet, bags and disposes of it, cleans with HEPA vacuums, and passes an air clearance test.](https://aes.multisites.ai/guides/asbestos-removal-process) - [Concrete Floor Prep: Grinding, Adhesive Removal and Moisture ChecksConcrete floor prep means getting a slab clean, sound, flat and dry before any new finish goes on. Grind to remove coatings and level high spots, strip old adhesive (after an asbestos check on older floors), and test moisture. Skipping any step is the most common reason a new floor fails early.](https://aes.multisites.ai/guides/concrete-floor-prep) - [Mold after water damage: how to inspect, remediate and verify the fixDry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours, because mold needs moisture to grow. If mold already shows, or covers more than 10 square feet, EPA says to treat it as a larger job. Find the water source, contain the area, remove damaged material, dry everything, then confirm the moisture is gone.](https://aes.multisites.ai/guides/mold-after-water-damage) ## Request your custom environmental remediation estimate Contact us for a free environmental remediation or restoration estimate and a personalized solution to your problems. [Request a Quote](https://aes.multisites.ai/contact)[(314) 865-2662](tel:+1-314-865-2662)