Field Test for Detecting Lead-Based Paints.
Abstract
A field method for determining whether the lead content of a paint film exceeds the 0.5% limit imposed by federal law and by NAVFAC Instructions appears to be partially fulfilled by a simple spot test introduced at the University of Rochester, New York. In the test, a drop of sodium sulfide solution is placed on a chip of paint and layers of paint that contain lead turn black or gray. The Civil Engineering Laboratory (CEL) modified the lead-indicating reagent by adding solvents to improve its ability to penetrate paint and a thickening agent to simplify its application and improve its ability to adhere to walls and ceilings. In CEL tests with the modified sodium sulfide reagent, all the lead compounds tested gave positive results. Conveniently, the minimum concentration of lead that could be detected was approximately equal to the maximum legal limit of 0.5%. Nearly all of the other inorganic compounds commonly employed in the paint formulations reacted negatively. Exceptions were a few biocides and driers usually employed in paint in concentrations too low to interfere with the test for lead. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA033494
Entities
People
- C. W. Mathews
- H. P. Vind
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center