of Lead-Based Paint in Housing at <www.hud.gov/offices/lead/guidelines/hudguidelines/ 
index.cfm>, and HUD s Lead Safe Housing Rule at <www.hud.gov/offices/lead/leadsaferule>. 
The results are then compared to the EPA regulations at TSCA Chapter 4, Section 403 lead haz¬ 
ard standards. Although each house is different and must be approached with its unique charac¬ 
teristics in mind, Syracuse s testing typically focuses on three to four main areas: the principal 
play area, the kitchen, and the bedrooms of the youngest children (there might be more than one 
child s bedroom to test). 
The most common method for collecting a dust sample is a surface wipe. Because XRF instru¬ 
ments are very sensitive, however, the sampling medium (dust wipe) should meet ASTM E 
1792-96a Standard Specification for Wipe Sampling Materials for Lead in Surface Dust. 
Syracuse purchased a Niton XRF, and initially, the sampling media provided by the contract 
laboratory did not meet the Niton specifications for XRF use. The Syracuse team found that 
the moisture content of the various wipes can affect the accuracy of the Niton XRF readings. 
They researched and experimented with several different sampling media before finding the one 
that met its needs. Syracuse found that Palintest and PACE wipes provided the most accurate 
results for use with the XRF. 
Although various testing formats are possible, 
Syracuse s QAPP calls for the following 10 samples: 
1. Principal play area floor 
2. Principal play area interior window sill 
3. Kitchen floor 
4. Kitchen window sill 
5. Kitchen window and trough 
6. Youngest child s room floor 
7. Youngest child s room window sill 
8. Youngest child s room window trough 
9. Floor of next youngest child s room 
10. Sill of next youngest child s room 
Two field blanks, labeled 11 and 12, are submitted to the laboratory with each set of samples. 
At 10 percent of the residences, Syracuse plans post-mitigation sampling (i.e., samples are taken 
after residents have completed the three-step cleaning/HEPA procedure). These samples, plus 
two additional field blanks, are labeled 13 through 24. 
Each sample bag is given a unique number (e.g., 012—07) that identifies the house (range: 001— 
330) and the sampling location within the house (01—10). As inspectors take samples, they 
record the lead level of each sampling location on a site worksheet. Any other relevant descrip¬ 
tive information, such as the general condition of the paint, high levels of dust, or unusual use 
of the area, is noted on the worksheet as well. Finally, the worksheet provides convenient spaces 
to write down any relevant descriptive information such as the condition of paint or excessive 
levels of dust. 
Guarding Against Lead Hazards 
W hen handling lead dust and samples, 
lead can enter the body through inges¬ 
tion, which occurs as a result of routine hand-to- 
mouth activities such as eating, drinking, and 
smoking. Inspectors needed to wear gloves and 
refrain from hand-to-mouth activities on the job. 
When work is complete, inspectors wash their 
hands upon leaving a site. 
Collecting and 
Managing Data on Lead Dust 
3 9 
