The Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) has established the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP). The NLLAP has been established by OPPT in order to assure the public that laboratories which participate successfully in the NLLAP are capable of analyzing for lead in paint chips, dust and soil samples. In order to participate in the NLLAP, a laboratory must: 1. Participate quarterly in the Environmental Lead Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (ELPAT). ELPAT is a proficiency testing program run by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) in cooperation with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). 2. Under go a systems audit inclusive of on-site visits at least once every three years. The systems audit must be conducted by a public or private accrediting organization with a program recognized by EPA through a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

Laboratories accredited by laboratory accrediting organization participating in the NLLAP will be recognized by EPA as capable of analyzing for lead in samples of paint chips, dust and soil.