ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 18 March 2011
Page Count: 5

Pilot Evaluation for Lead-Based Paint Proficiency Testing of Field Portable XRF Instruments

White, Kenneth T.
QuanTech, Inc., Arlington, VA,

Dewalt, F. Gary
QuanTech, Inc., Arlington, VA,

Cox, David C.
QuanTech, Inc., Arlington, VA,

Schmehl, Richard
QuanTech, Inc., Arlington, VA,

Friedman, Warren
US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, Washington, DC,

Pinzer, Eugene A.
US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, Washington, DC,

(Received 8 October 2010; accepted 17 February 2011)

Abstract

A proficiency testing procedure for evaluating the accuracy of lead measurements taken by certified lead-based paint inspectors using portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instruments was developed and pilot tested. XRF instruments are widely used for inspection of housing units to determine the presence or absence of lead-based paint. Previous research showed variability between different XRF instruments when used to conduct lead-based paint inspections. Due to concerns over potential errors in inspection reports resulting from biased XRF measurements, a proficiency testing procedure was pilot tested to provide entities, such a state or federal regulators, a means of evaluating the instrumentation being used for lead-based paint inspections.

Keywords:
XRF, proficiency, lead-based paint

Paper ID: JAI103465
DOI: 10.1520/JAI103465
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