Asbestos vs. Lead Contractors: Which Do You Need?
February 28, 2026
Asbestos and lead are both regulated environmental hazards in Indiana, but they are governed by different rules, require different licenses, and often require different contractors. Here is how to tell which you need.
The Key Difference
Asbestos — A naturally occurring mineral fiber used in building materials until the late 1970s. Regulated by EPA (NESHAP), OSHA, and Indiana IDEM/IOSHA. Hazardous when friable (crumbling) or disturbed during renovation.
Lead — A heavy metal used in paint until 1978 and in plumbing solder until 1986. Regulated by EPA (RRP rule), HUD, and OSHA. Hazardous when paint deteriorates or is disturbed, creating lead dust.
License Requirements
| Task | License Required |
|---|---|
| Asbestos building survey / sampling | Asbestos Inspector |
| On-site oversight during asbestos removal | Asbestos Project Supervisor |
| Company performing asbestos abatement | Asbestos Contractor |
| Lead paint inspection / risk assessment | Lead Inspector |
| Company performing lead abatement | Lead Contractor |
These are separate licenses issued by Indiana IPLA. An Asbestos Contractor license does not authorize lead abatement, and vice versa. Some firms hold both — confirm which licenses apply to your project.
When You Need an Asbestos Contractor
You need a licensed Asbestos Contractor when:
- Renovating a pre-1980 building where materials may contain asbestos
- Demolishing a structure (IDEM requires asbestos survey and licensed abatement for regulated materials)
- Removing vinyl floor tiles, pipe insulation, popcorn ceilings, or drywall from older structures
- A survey has confirmed asbestos-containing materials that will be disturbed
Start with an Asbestos Inspector who can survey the materials before work begins.
When You Need a Lead Contractor
You need a licensed Lead Contractor when:
- EPA RRP rules apply (renovation of pre-1978 home with children under 6 or pregnant women)
- HUD requirements apply (federally assisted housing)
- A lead inspection has found lead-based paint that requires abatement (not just enclosure)
- A landlord or tenant demands lead-safe renovation practices
Start with a Lead Inspector to determine whether lead-based paint is present and in what condition.
When You Need Both
Some renovation projects require both:
- Pre-1978 home remodel — Likely has both asbestos in floor tiles/insulation AND lead paint on trim and walls
- Pre-demolition clearance — May require both asbestos survey/abatement AND lead paint documentation
- School or public building renovation — AHERA requires asbestos management; HUD/FHA rules may add lead requirements
Some environmental firms hold both Asbestos Contractor and Lead Contractor licenses. Ask specifically which licenses your contractor holds.
How to Verify Credentials
- Visit the IPLA license verification portal
- Search by the firm’s name
- Note all active licenses — a firm may hold multiple
- Confirm each license type matches the work you are hiring for