Abstract
Four portable x-ray fluorescence analyzers have been examined to ascertain the detection limits and precision with which they can be used for determining lead on painted surfaces. The tests consisted of using the analyzers to determine the weight of lead present (mg/cm2) on each of several substrates which had been coated with weighed quantities of paints of known composition. All of the instruments tested had detection limits lower than 1.0 mg/cm2. In some measurements, where lead was present between 1.0 and 6.6 mg/cm2, errors as large as 30 to 50% occurred; thus, it was concluded that the portable analyzers tested would be useful mainly for screening painted walls for high lead levels.
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