The consequences of exposure to lead have been well documented.  These include occupational exposures as well as other means of toxic transport  in housing environments, in playgrounds, in drinking water, and before, during, and after remediation activities. 

IATL's Environmental Lead Laboratory is designed for the analysis of lead in several matrices: 

• Lead in Paint

• Lead in Soil

• Lead on Surfaces

• Lead in Air

• Lead in Drinking Water

Like all analytical applications, the field sampling protocol is just as important as the laboratory methods employed.  IATL can assist in determining the sampling protocol that is most appropriate for a given situation.  We also test for other metals.
 

Lead in Paint
IATL performs thousands of analyses each year on Lead in Paint samples.  Many times these samples are generated from environmental engineering / consulting companies that are contracted to perform a survey of all of a building or property's painted surfaces.  IATL employs Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) for the analysis of its environmental lead samples. 

AAS is a highly sensitive technique (parts per billion levels) that operates by vaporizing a solution of the material in a flame or graphite microfurnace.  The preparation  involves the acid digestion of the solid paint samples into solution. 

AAS Paint results are reported as a percentage of the total sample (% by Weight).  IATL can also format deliverables to report results in mg/kg, ppm, or mg/cm2 units.  IATL also has significant experience in lead analysis of miscellaneous materials including product testing, ceramic surface testing, etc.  Accreditation is primarily provided by the EPA through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) through the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP). 

Extensive Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) regimens are performed as part of an ongoing certification program.  Proficiency testing is primarily conducted through the Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (PAT) administered by AIHA / ELPAT.  On-site technical evaluations are also primarily conducted through AIHA.   

Lead in Soil
Maximum Contamination Levels (MCLs) exist for all environmental lead matrices including Lead in Soil.  This category is many times related to playground or building drip line investigations.  Once again, strict field sampling schemes should be employed  (See FAQ)  to ensure meaningful analytical results.  AAS is employed.  Results are reported in mg/kg (ppm).  Accreditation and proficiencies are through AIHA.

Lead on Surfaces
The examination of Lead on Surfaces is conducted using wipe samples.  This Dust/Wipe category of environmental lead investigations often is employed to establish baseline conditions of surfaces as well as to establish clearance criteria after an abatement activity. 

AIHA and others have promulgated strict field sampling protocols.  Results are viable only when the samples are collected on certain wipe material approved by EPA.  The submittal of field blanks are also required for this method.  (See FAQ)  Results are reported in micrograms of lead per unit area sampled on the surface (ex: ug/ft2).  Primarily, accreditation and proficiencies are through AIHA.

Lead in the Air
Occupational exposures to lead can come in various forms.  One source involves testing Lead in Air during lead removal activities.  OSHA monitoring involves collecting area and personal samples for workers. 

NIOSH 7082 provides clear directions for field sampling (see FAQ) and laboratory analysis.  These directions incorporate air cassette and filter criteria as well as the submittal of blanks.  Detection limits vary according to the amount of air sampled.  Accreditation and proficiencies are primarily through the AIHA. 

Lead in Drinking Water
Lead in Drinking Water is a concern for many building owners and occupants in public and private settings.  EPA mandates sampling protocols, container size, shipping instructions, sample preservation, holding times, and MCLs.  (see FAQ)

IATL employs  the AAS graphite furnace technique for these samples.  Results are reported in parts per billion (ppb).  Accreditation is primarily from EPA through NIST-NVLAP reference material suppliers.