ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 1 March 2011
Page Count: 11

Development of Two Sample Preparation Methods for Determination of Lead in Composite Dust Wipe Samples

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
U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, HUD Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, Washington, DC,

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

(Received 14 October 2010; accepted 26 January 2011)

Abstract

Sample preparation methods for four-wipe composite dust wipe samples, used by nine different laboratories accredited under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP), were evaluated to select two methods most likely to provide the best overall performance among multiple laboratories, based on accuracy, precision and practicality of the methods. The best performing methods involved (1) hot nitric acid/hydrogen peroxide digestion and (2) nitric acid ultrasonication. In a second round of testing, two sets of composite dust wipe samples with known amounts of lead were submitted blind to each of the nine laboratories to be prepared for analysis using these two sample preparation methods. Results showed that both methods are capable of meeting all EPA NLLAP requirements for accuracy (recovery) and precision. The ultrasonication method had superior performance at lower cost.

Keywords:
composite wipes, lead analysis, lead-based paint

Paper ID: JAI103466
DOI: 10.1520/JAI103466
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