Collecting and Managing 
Data on Lead Dust 
T his chapter describes the steps taken by Syracuse to collect and manage samples on 
lead dust in homes. With a target of 350 homes, Syracuse collects dust wipe samples 
in a way that ensures the quality of the data and that also helps participants under¬ 
stand the procedure and findings. 
• Section 5.1 outlines the chronology of interactions with participants, including sampling, 
mitigation, and reporting. 
• Section 5.2 discusses step-by-step in-home lead dust sampling. 
• Section 5.3 describes the role of the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). 
• Section 5.4 offers resources for additional information. 
Syracuse has integrated X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology into its lead dust program. An 
XRF is a small portable device capable of reading lead dust wipes and determining lead levels in 
seconds. This technology provides significant time savings when compared to sending dust 
wipes away for traditional laboratory analysis. Although XRF technology is not yet an EPA- 
approved method for analyzing lead dust, it has been demonstrated to provide reliable and rep¬ 
resentative results when compared with laboratory data. 
Syracuse s QAPP specifies the procedures for using XRF analysis of lead dust samples. It also out¬ 
lines the steps necessary to statistically correlate XRF results with laboratory results. Read more 
about how Syracuse established a statistical correlation between XRF and laboratory results in 
Chapter 6. See Section 5.3 below and Appendix B for more information about the QAPP. 
5.1 Chronology: from Data Collection to Reporting 
After a resident signs up for the program, Syracuse staff visits the home and collects lead dust 
data. The protocol used by Syracuse staff to interact with participants is as follows: 
Step 1 . Call participant to set up appointment to collect pre-mitigation dust samples. 
Step 2. Gather pre-mitigation samples from the designated sampling locations; leave residence. 
Step 3. Read samples with XRF (see Chapter 6). 
Step 4. If necessary, send pre-mitigation samples to accredited laboratory for confirmatory 
analysis. 
Step 5. Call participant to report results and mail written report. 
Step 6. If necessary, set up appointment to review sample results, drop off HEPA vacuum, and 
explain three-step cleaning procedure. (See Chapter 7 on Mitigation). 
Step 7. Arrange for HEPA vacuum pickup and post-mitigation sampling, if necessary. 
Step 8. Read post-mitigation samples with XRF. 
Collecting and 
Managing Data on 
Lead Dust 
3 7 
