Abstract
A simple, rapid method is described for the determination of lead in paint. Lead is extracted from paint chips, or liquid paint, into an acidic aqueous solution. Ten microliters of sample solution is transferred onto a platinum-rhodium wire loop, and the solvent is evaporated by placing the loop in a small resistance heater. The loop then is introduced into a premixed acetylene-air flame, and lead absorption at 283.3 nm is measured. Physical and chemical parameters affecting the accuracy and precision of the method are discussed. Accurate determinations of lead are possible for concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1 µg/10 µl of solution. The wire loop method is adaptable to a simple screening method for analysis of paints in mobile or on-site laboratories.
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