Things To Know About XRF Lead Testing

Posted by newyorklead on February 18th, 2021

The X-ray fluorescence or XRF is an analytical method and non-destructive that helps in determining the analysis of materials for different elements. While XRF has a multitude of applications, one of the reasons why people prefer this technology is its use in removing lead from the home. Usually, the XRF comprises a liquid or solid sample with high-energy X- rays coming from a regulated tube and eventually emits a fluorescent X-ray. Nowadays, the lead abatement companies leverage on handheld or portable XRF for using it anytime and anywhere as they are lightweight and can be used at any location or time for the best outcome.

Health hazards due to lead

There is a flurry of health hazards associated with the presence of lead in structures before 1978 due to lead-based painting. However, the presence of lead-based paint can vary in different structures depending on cities and areas. Despite the instrumentation and equipment available in the laboratories, the results take longer to appear. With XRF lead testing, companies can conduct over hundred tests on the painted surfaces. The analyzing equipment can detect the presence of lead and establishes positive or negative results within a short time.  It also helps in detecting lead concentration for different surface areas. The users can also check the standards of using XRF for lead testing.

Why use XRF

With the use of lead paint testing using XRF technique, the expenses and the time required for testing different surfaces can be reduced drastically. Apart from this, you can conduct the tests before demolition, repairs, painting, or construction after the cleaning of various surfaces. Moreover, you can expect better accuracy from the XRF lead tests and detect the presence of lead on the pipes, doors, joints, hinges, floors, and walls. With so many benefits, the XRF analyzers are gradually becoming more popular. Even before the lead paint removal work begins on your premises, it is necessary to clean the chips of paint and other surfaces, such as the window sills, frames, and floors. Apart from this, it is essential to remove the shoes to avoid bringing lead-contaminated dust and soil indoors.

Need to act

If the lead-based paint in your home is in good condition, and there is no other damage or chipping, you can let the paint stay untouched. However, the only thing you need to keep in mind is to disclose to the buyer about the presence of lead paint at your home. On the other hand, peeling or chipping paint requires the attention of homeowners, especially if paint is peeling from the rails and window sills. The XRF lead testing is one of the modern-day techniques used for the removal of lead from homes. Due to the portability and user-friendly devices that establishes the outcome of the test instantaneously lead removal in homes is easy nowadays.

Accuracy of the method

When compared to the other forms of testing for lead paint removal, the XRF testing method is more accurate and reliable as the test operates with the same speed. Moreover, the testing time is short and no expenses towards the disposal of radioactive waste.