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Metals Home | Lead | Metals FAQ
WOHL can test soil, wipes and air for lead as well Lead wipes The presence of lead can also be tested for by wiping up settled dust on surfaces. WOHL is happy to supply the appropriate materials for wipe sampling just give us a call and we'll ship them to you that day! Types of surfaces commonly tested for lead in settled dust include floors, tables, window sills and other places were children might come in contact with flecks of paint that could contain lead. When taking a wipe sample, it is essential to measure the area being sampled. For large, flat surfaces such as floors, try to wipe a square foot area. For window sills, wipe the entire length of the sill and measure its length and width. Place the sample in a clean, labeled container and send it to the address below with a brief letter containing your name, address, phone number and specify lead analysis. Price information. Results are usually available within two weeks. Pricing Information. Please include your measurements with your samples. This will allow us to report your results in units of µg Pb/ft2, which in turn will allow you to compare your results with EPA guidelines. The EPA considers wipes hazardous if they exceed 40 µg Pb/ft2 for floors, or 250 µg Pb/ft2 for window sills.
Soil is another source of potential lead poisoning. Soil can become contaminated with lead over time if exterior lead-based paint chips off and falls to the ground, where it can be absorbed into the earth. Soil samples are usually only taken by professionals, but can also be taken by homeowners as a precautionary measure. Find an appropriate spot such as a child's play area or garden and remove a soil core approximately one inch in diameter and two inches deep. Make sure to note the location of the sample(s). Place the sample in a clean, labeled container and send it to the address below with a brief letter containing your name, address, phone number and specify lead analysis. Results are usually available within two weeks. Pricing information. The EPA considers soil hazardous if it exceeds 400 ppm in a child's play area or 1,200 ppm anywhere else in the yard.
Lead is also a major concern in industry, where excessive lead exposures can occur for welders, firing range users, crystal artisans, battery manufacturers, and workers in many other fields. While wipe sampling can provide clues to the physical areas of highest concern, there are no federal regulations regarding wipe samples taken in industrial settings. The only way to assess risk is through air monitoring. Air samples for lead should be taken with mixed cellulose ester (MCE) filters. WOHL can supply this media free of charge. Please note: MCE filters can be distinguished by their appearance. They have three sections and a white cellulose band. Do not confuse MCE filter with fiberglass filters, which are also white-banded but have only two sections. If a total particulate reading is also desired, sample for lead using pre-weighed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filters. Use the 0.8-µm PVC filters (two-piece, red-banded) for welding, soldering or other operations that generate fumes. Use the 5.0-µm PVC filters (three-piece yellow-banded) for grinding, buffing and other operations that generate dusts. Attach the cassette containing the desired filter membrane to a pump. Arrange the filter so it draws air in the area of the worker's breathing zone. Run the pump at 2 liters per minute for 2-8 hours, for a total of 240 to 960 liters. Label each sample and send it to the address below with a brief letter containing your name, address, phone number and specify lead analysis. Results are usually available within two weeks. Pricing infromation. The OSHA Permissible Exposure Level for lead in air is 0.050 mg/m3. |
