Testing for Lead-Contaminated Surfaces

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Excessive exposure to lead has been a long-recognised health hazard, and the Control of Lead at Work Regulations (CLAW) must be adhered to. Until the early 1960s white lead (lead carbonate/lead sulphate) was added in substantial quantities as the main white pigment in paint products, intended for use as a primer or top coat over metal and wood. It could therefore be applied to any surface up to this date and even later.

SKC was recently approached by two companies, one a heritage restoration company, renovating and repairing old buildings, and the other a company removing paint from a more modern oil rig. SKC were able to propose simple solutions to help both these companies test for lead-contaminated surfaces (including the skin) and the effectiveness of any subsequent lead removal procedures.

The Full Disclosure Kit contains everything needed to provide instant safe surface and skin testing with an immediate colour change indicating the presence of lead contamination ≥ 18ug. We also offer a kit for quantitative analysis. For more sensitive checking for lead on surfaces (<1ug) and in liquids (<2ppm) the LeadCheck® sampling swabs provide easy colour-change results in minutes. SKC also offer air sampling systems for monitoring lead-in-air exposure.

For further information please contact us on 01258 480188 or email enquiries@skcltd.com