Which test is commonly used to assess lead levels in paint?

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing is a widely used method for assessing lead levels in paint due to its efficacy and real-time analysis capabilities. This technique is particularly advantageous in lead testing because it is non-destructive and allows for in-situ measurements, meaning that the paint sample does not need to be removed for testing.

When an XRF instrument is directed at a painted surface, it emits X-rays that cause atoms in the paint to fluoresce. The emitted fluorescent X-rays are characteristic of the elements present in the material, including lead. The intensity of the fluorescence provides a direct measurement of the concentration of lead within the paint, making it a preferred method for lead inspectors.

In comparison to other testing methods, such as atomic absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, XRF testing is quicker and often does not require complex sample preparation or analysis in a laboratory setting, making it more suitable for fieldwork. Gas chromatography, on the other hand, is typically not applicable for solid materials like paint and focuses instead on separating and analyzing compounds that can be vaporized. Thus, XRF stands out as the most practical and efficient method for lead detection in painted surfaces.