6 Analyzing Lead Dust Samples 
Using XRF Technology 
T his chapter describes the steps taken by the Syracuse Lead Dust Project to incorporate 
cutting-edge technology into its program. The field-portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) 
instrument is a hand-held, battery-powered device that produces timely data on lead 
levels in household dust, soil, or paint. The XRF user must be trained and certified to meet fed¬ 
eral, state, or local requirements for collection of environmental samples. 
• Section 6.1 describes the advantages of XRF technology used by the Syracuse Lead Dust Project. 
• Section 6.2 provides information on how Syracuse obtained the XRF equipment and associat¬ 
ed licensing, operator training and certification, and laboratory verification of XRF analysis. 
• Section 6.3 discusses the importance of quality control. 
• Section 6.4 covers health and safety precautions for inspectors. 
• Section 6.3 highlights equipment maintenance. 
• Section 6.6 provides resources for more information. 
6.1 Advantages df XRF Technology 
Experience has shown that lead concentrations inside homes vary significantly. The XRF instru¬ 
ment can instantly detect unusually high lead levels and the field sampling technician can tell 
residents where children or other occupants of the household are most likely to be exposed to 
lead. While Syracuse made a substantial capital investment to purchase XRF technology, in the 
long term, the city is saving money with this equipment because it has dramatically reduced 
costs for laboratory analysis. 
To analyze a sample using the XRF, the technician places a folded wipe sample in the XRF sam¬ 
ple holder and follows the manufacturer s procedures to get results. A 30- to 60-second meas¬ 
urement should yield reliable results. An important benefit of XRF analysis is that the sample 
remains intact so that the same samples subsequently can be analyzed by a laboratory. 
Appropriate wipes that meet the requirements 
of ASTM E1792-96a, Standard Specification for 
Wipe Sampling Materials for Lead in Surface 
Dust, should be used. See Chapter 3 for more 
information on the types of wipes that Syracuse 
used for sampling, and for important lessons 
learned about the choice of sampling media. 
The resource section at the end of this chapter 
includes information for obtaining a copy of 
the ASTM standard specification. 
Although an XRF instrument has many advan¬ 
tages, its purchase and use requires careful con¬ 
sideration. Because XRFs contain radioactive 
materials, operators must have valid licenses or 
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Chapter 6 
