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Lead Paint Testing

Lead was a component of paint prior to 1978 when it was banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission for use in residences, furniture and children's toys. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates 83% of private housing and 86% of public housing built prior to 1980 contain lead based paint. Manufacturers would put lead into paint to make the paint last longer and adhere to surfaces better. Lead has also been used in plumbing fixtures, pipes and pipe soldering which can leach into water that flows through pipes. In 1996 & 1998, the U.S. Congress restricted the use of lead in pipes, solder and other components use in drinking water systems.

Lead is highly toxic and exposure to lead and lead dust can be dangerous, especially for children six years old and younger. Lead interferes with some of the body's basic functions. The body can not differentiate between lead and calcium and can be absorbed into the bones where it can collect for a lifetime. Children are especially vulnerable because of their rapidly developing bodies and their tendency to put things in their mouth. Even low lead exposure can permanently affect children and cause:

Lead can be dangerous for adults also. In adults, high lead levels can cause:

Exposure to lead can come from many sources:

Lead Dust and Paint Chips from Painted Woodwork, Walls, Furniture and Toys - Breathing or swallowing of lead dust and paint chips formed from the disturbance and decomposition of lead painted materials. Particles of lead can be removed from painted surfaces during opening/closing windows and doors painted with lead based paint and scraping, sanding or anyplace where abrasion occurs with lead based paint. Peeling, chipping, chalking or cracking lead-based paint need immediate attention. Although lead paint was banned in 1978, supply of this type paint was available into the early 1980's.

Water - Water can be a source of lead leaching from lead piping in water distribution lines, lead solder used to join water pipes and plumbing fixtures that use brass with lead content. Visit our Water Lead Test Kit.

Soil - Soil can pick up lead from exterior paints and particles that are deposited from airborne sources such as industrial plants and smelters. Lead was a major component of gasoline until reduced in 1978 by the U.S. EPA and lead particles were a part of vehicle emissions.

Miscellaneous - Porcelain tubs, Dishware and Mini-Blinds. For over 100 years, lead has been added to porcelain enameling material. Both new and old fixtures may leach the lead; however, older bathtubs that have repeatedly been cleaned with abrasive cleansers leach the highest amounts of lead. Ceramic glazes and pottery may have lead content. FDA set limits for lead in pottery in the U.S. in 1969, but may foreign countries may still be using lead as a component of their products. Many vinyl mini-blinds made in China, Indonesia, Mexico and Taiwan contained high concentrations of lead. Lead used to stabilize the vinyl becomes a dust on the surface, especially when exposed to heat and the sun. New vinyl mini-blind products on the market are available without lead.

Lead Check Swab Tests

Easy to use, self contained disposable LeadCheck Swabs will work on any surface. Based on the reactivity of lead with certain compounds forming colored complexes. Each swab is ready to use. There are no hidden steps or lengthy procedures. The entire test procedure is so convenient that it can be performed anywhere.

Note: This test produces a pink color response in the presence of lead and may be difficult to detect with pink/redish colors.  If you are testing for lead with pink/redish colors, we suggest using the Lead Detective test kit along with the Lead Check swabs or as a substitute.

Lead Check Swabs l more info
	Totally self contained tests. No mixing of solutions. Indefinite shelf life if ingredients are not mixed. Utilizes the chemical Rhodizonate and proprietary ingredients to detect lead accurately and reliably. Works on painted surfaces, steel structures, waste materials, sand blasting media, plumbing, soil and dust. Reliably detect to 0.5% lead in paint with virtually 100% accuracy. Detects down to 2 micrograms of lead. Swab turns pink with the presence of lead within 30 seconds. Test chemicals are non-toxic and easily washed off from any surface. Odorless, disposable and non-staining. Includes test confirmation card to verify results. Available in 8 or 16 test kits.
Lead Check Swabs Test Kit - 8 tests Price: $18.45 Lead Check Swabs Test Kit - 16 tests Price: $34.95 Lead Check Swab Kit - 8 testsLead Check Swab Kit - 16 tests Quantity:

 

The Lead Detective

Testing for lead based paint is easy! A testing solution is mixed and applied to a painted surface and if the paint contains lead (down to 1%), a gray to black color change is observed. Tools are supplied and used as needed to expose multiple layers of paint, hold a paint chip and apply the solution. Mixed solution lasts 4-6 weeks.

Note: This test produces a gray/black color response in the presence of lead and may be difficult to detect with dark colors.  If you are testing for lead with dark colors, we suggest using the Lead Check swabs test kit along with the Lead Detective test or as a substitute.

Lead Detective Test l more info
	Recommended technology for lead paint testing by the Environmental Protection Agency. Includes an extensive manual with instructions on testing for lead, information on lead poisoning, guidelines for removing lead from the home, discussion on lead ad the law and a list of reference materials and resource information. Allows you to perform up to 100 tests which should cover an average size home. Includes all the necessary solution and tools - one 15 ml bottle of sodium sulfide, one 15 ml bottle of water, magnifier, razor blades, chemically resistant tweezers, applicator tip and gloves. Can be used to test pottery. Accurately detects lead to 1%. Includes a reference lead paint sample. Note: premium shipping (air delivery) not available on this item.
Lead Detective Test Kit Price: $27.95 Quantity: