Evaluation of X-Ray Fluorescence Unit for Detecting Lead in Paint on Military Structures
Abstract
Despite the toxicity of lead as a pigment in paint, lead-base paint continued to be used in the United States until the mid-1950's. It is more difficult to date the discontinued use of lead-base paints on Army structures in foreign countries because locally procured paints are allowed to contain higher amounts of lead than those purchased in the United States. This situation is causing concern for installation Directorates of Engineering and Housing (DEHs) in Germany. The objective of this work was to evaluate the x-ray fluorescence (XRF) lead detector to determine its suitability for field use for measuring the lead content of paint on military structures in West Germany. A Princeton Gamma Tech (PGT) XK-3 unit was purchased for evaluation. Field work showed the detector to be durable and reliable. Standardization readings can compensate for the effect of the substrate on the readings. Accurate results can be obtained using a limited number of readings and the unit can detect lead-base paint hidden by layers of nonlead paint.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA232229
Entities
People
- Al Beitelman
- R. Vogel
- S. Drozdz
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory