Analyses of Field-Sampled Wipes

Ultrasonic Extraction/Anodic Stripping Voltammetry for Determining Lead in Dust:Analyses of Field-Sampled Wipes Knowledge of the amount of lead in settled dust is important in clearance examinations, risk assessments, and related activities wherein decisions are made regarding lead hazards in houses and related buildings. At present, analyses of lead in dust are normally performed in laboratories, since quantitative methods are not readily field-portable. In recent years, field portable ultrasonic extraction/anodic stripping voltammetry (UE/ASV) has been suggested as a candidate procedure for field analysis of dust wipe specimens. However, the reliability of UE/ASV analyses of field dust wipe specimens has not been demonstrated. The present study compared the results of ASV analyses of UE extracted field-sampled dust wipes against those of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectrometry analyses of the same extract solutions. The main objective of the study was to investigate whether lead in dust wipe specimens obtained in the field can be efficiently and effectively extracted, and reliably quantified using common UE/ASV field procedures when the analyses are performed by certified risk assessors. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsored the research because of the benefits to be gained in having available a reliable, practical method for on-site analysis of lead in dust in houses and related buildings.