X-Ray Florescence Analyzers have the ability to positively impact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and specifically the Renovating, Remodeling and Painting (RRP) Rule.
Recently a report from the Iown Department of Public Health noted that there has been an increase in childhood lead poisoning do to home remodeling.
XRF Analyzers are non-destructive, handheld, scientific instruments for identification of elements, essentially a handheld mass spectrometer. They are an approved source to determine if lead-based paint is present in a HUD property (government owned).
Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.
To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
Until that time, EPA recommends that anyone performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools follow lead-safe work practices.
All contractors should follow these three simple procedures:
Contain the work area.
Minimize dust.
Clean up thoroughly.
The RRP Rule is simply designed to assure that workers and homeowners are protected from the harmful effects of lead. There is unfortunately one major flaw with this rule, Clearance!
Clearance is done at the end of the job to make certain that the work site has been cleaned up properly. A dust wipe is performed and this wipe is compared against a picture on a laminated card. How is this testing for lead?
What I think
In my opinion, when XRF Analyzers are combined with an appropriate data collection and analysis platform they can provide sufficient evidence and quantification for lead. This mobile, non-destructive testing platform, that is capable of identify as little as 10 parts per million (PPM) of lead. With a specific set of testing methods and our pending new quantification system, XRF can positively impact the EPA RRP Rule.
X-Ray Fluorescence can create jobs, help contractors comply with regulation, help homeowners be safe from lead and other potential harmful toxicants. Contractors can move from site to site (job to job) quicker. Their testing costs can be lowered and testing information instant. This all can produce economic and social benefits.
I believe there are many other opportunities for X-Ray Fluorescence to positively impact society, create jobs and improve lives.
