- Author
-
Cramp, A. P.
|
Berger, H. W.
- Title
- Evaluation of New Portable X-Ray Fluorescent Lead Analyzers for Measuring Lead in Paint.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
- Sponsor
- Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC
- Report
-
NBSIR 78-1466
May 1978
- Distribution
- AVAILABLE FROM National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Technology Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161. Telephone: 1-800-553-6847 or 703-605-6000; Fax: 703-605-6900; Rush Service (Telephone Orders Only) 800-553-6847; Website: http://www.ntis.gov
- Keywords
-
lead (metal); laboratory equipment; x ray analysis; performance evaluation; x ray fluorescence; paints; calibrating; chemical analysis
- Identifiers
- lead based paints
- Abstract
- Portable x-ray fluorescent lead analyzers offer the most cost-effective and adaptable means for the non-destructive detection and measurement of lead in paint in housing. However, commercially available portable lead analyzers have had poor accuracy and precision below lead levels of about 3.0 milligrams of lead per square centimeter of surface area. This is particularly serious because the current operational criteria for lead paint hazard abatement, 1.5 or 2.0 mg/cm of lead maximum (used in many communities) is in this range. They have also performed relatively unsatisfactorily with regard to serviceability and maintenance. Two new portable lead analyzers based on x-ray fluorescence have been developed under HUD contracts. The prototypes of one of these devices have shown considerable improvement over previously available instruments in terms of accuracy, portability, and user characteristics. This report discusses the performance and operating characteristics of the new lead analyzers.