WASHINGTON, DC - ASTM International Committee F40 on Declarable Substances in Materials has announced a new proposed Standard Test Method for Determination of Lead in Paint Layers and Similar Coatings or in Substrates and Homogenous Materials by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Using Multiple Monochromatic Excitation Beams.

 

No existing standard test method is in place for the non-destructive determination of lead in both paint layers on substrates and homogenous materials. With increased regulations, toy manufacturers and regulators are motivated to expand the range of analytical solutions available.

 

The precision of this proposed test method is based on an inter-laboratory study (ILS) conducted in 2009. Nine laboratories analyzed 13 homogenous and 21 paint-layers-on-substrate samples to estimate method precision.

 

This test method may be used for quantitative determinations of lead in toys, children’s products and certain furniture articles. Typical test time for quantification of lead in substrates is one to three minutes; and typical test time for quantification of lead in paint is four to eight minutes. The CPSIA places testing requirements on manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, third-party laboratories and regulators. This test method may be applied for quality control, regulatory enforcement and in testing services.

 

This item appears on the F40.01 ballot for the first time. A copy of the ILS 480 research report can be obtained by contacting Caitlin Farrell at cfarrell@astm.org or 610/832.9746.