Evaluation of a Chemical Spot-Test Kit for the Detection of Airborne Particulate Lead in the Workplace

Abstract

A commercial rhodizonate-based test kit was evaluated for its potential use in the detection of lead in airborne particulate samples at work sites. Over 350 air samples were collected at abrasive blasting lead paint abatement sites using cellulose ester membrane filters and personal sampling pumps. The filter samples were tested with the chemical spot test and then analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. No positive readings were recorded for lead masses below 1.3 micrograms Pb/filter, and no negative readings were observed for lead amounts above 8.1 micrograms Pb/filter. Experimental data were statistically molded in an effort to estimate the performance parameters of the spot test kit. The identification limit of the kit was found to be approximately 3.6 microgram/filter sample. For lead mass values above approximately 10 micrograms Pb/filter, 95% confidence of a positive reading was found, while 95% confidence of a negative reading was found for lead masses below approximately 0.6 micrograms Pb/filter. Based on the results of this study the rhodizonate-based test kit for lead demonstrates potential for use in field screening for lead in personal breathing zone and area air samples.