Instructions
The LeadCheck® swab is the size and shape of a cigarette or crayon with a fiber tip on one end. Inside the barrel of the swab, there are two glass ampoules that contain all the chemicals needed to do a test. Because the chemicals are enclosed in glass ampoules, the chemicals are fresh when activated.
Crush
- With the swab tip pointing up, squeeze and crush points "A" and "B" located on the barrel of the swab. The swab must be used immediately after crushing.
Shake and Squeeze
- With the swab tip point down, shake twice and squeeze gently until the yellow liquid appears on the swab tip.
Rub
- While squeezing gently, rub the swab tip on the test area for 30 seconds. If the tip or the surface turns pink to red, lead is present. If there is no color change, it indicates that the surface is safe and is not leaching hazardous levels of lead. After testing, wash test items/surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner.
Special Testing Instructions
Plastic and Vinyl Mini-Blinds/ Vinyl Coated Cords
Most plastic mini-blinds are manufactured in Mexico and Southeast Asia and these manufactures have added lead stabilizers or plasticizers to the plastic. Continued exposure to light causes this plastic to break down and "chalk". Young children are at risk when they touch the blind itself or the windowsill and then put their fingers in their mouth.
Many cords found on telephones, computers, and other household appliances are coated with plastic similar to the plastic used for mini-blinds. One survey conducted found lead in 23 out of 27 cords tested. After handling these cords for ten (10) seconds the skin on the hands and fingers also tested positive for lead.
- Activate LeadCheck® Swab according to the instructions.
- Rub the Swab on the side of the mini-blind that faces the window glass, for about 30 seconds or rub the Swab on the electrical cord for 30 seconds.
- If the tip turns pink to red, the test is positive for hazardous amounts of lead.
- Carefully remove from window, place in a plastic trash bag and take out of the house. Wash window area and floor below with a detergent solution and thoroughly rinse.
- Contact your local health department for instruction on how to safely dispose of lead containing mini-blinds.
Lead Dust
Deteriorating lead paint has long been recognized as a health risk in infants and young children. In the early efforts (around 1970) to decrease this risk, "dry scraping" was used to remove lead paint. However, it was soon realized that this approach resulted in an increase in lead level amounts in children in these homes. As a result, new lead removal procedures were developed. As lead paint breaks down a "chalk" may be left behind so is also important to check for lead dust in areas where lead has been found.
- Dip the tip of an unactivated LeadCheck® Swab into water and then touch it to a paper towel to remove any excess water. The tip should be damp but not dripping with water.
- Firmly, but without mashing, rub the Swab tip across both diagonals of the area being tested.
- Activate the swab as described in the instructions and rub the tip on a piece of plastic wrap, or a clean, lead free surface for 30 seconds.
- If the tip turns pink the test is positive for lead dust.
Lead in Ceramics (Dishes and Cookware)
Lead-containing glazes are used in the ceramic industry in pottery, earthenware, bone china, and porcelain. When the ceramic ware is fired properly (at high enough temperatures), the lead is sealed into the glaze and will not leach from the surface. However, if the glaze is incorrectly formulated OR fired improperly during the manufacture process, hazardous levels of lead may leach from the surface into the food we eat.
Dishes can also wear out over years of everyday use. Any cracks or chips should be tested and if positive for lead should not be used for food.
Acidic food such as oranges or grapefruit, tomato juice, coffee or tea, etc. can cause more lead to leach into foods than non-acidic foods like water or milk. Heating food on ceramic ware in the microwave increases the rate in which the lead leaches from the glaze.
Most Lead Crystal is 24% lead by weight and like ceramic wear, the manufacture requires a firing process. If fired properly and treated, lead will not leach from the vessel. If improperly fired and treated, it is possible for the lead to leach from the glass.
Important: In a set of dishes, the manufactures cannot guarantee that all dishes were produced or fired at the same time. It is recommended to check about 10% of a set of dishes. If any items test positive, consider testing all remaining pieces before use.
High Risk Items
Old China - Handed down from previous generations. Be sure to test any cracked or chipped areas.
Homemade or Handcrafted China - From U.S. or abroad, check to see if the manufacturer uses lead-free glaze or high tempature, commercial type firing practices.
Highly Decorated Multi-Colored "Inside" Surfaces - High levels of lead are typically found in brightly colored glazes.
Decorations on Top of the Glaze - Can you feel the decoration when you rub your fingers on the surface? Can you see the brush strokes showing that decoration was painted on?
Corroded Glaze - A dusty or chalky residue on the glaze after the piece has been washed. This is extremely dangerous and should never be used to serve food in or drink.
Don'ts
- Store food or drink in a lead-containing ceramic pitcher or bowl.
- Store highly acidic foods in questionable china.
- Questionable pieces of china should not be used in your everyday routine.
- Questionable pieces should not be heated in the microwave oven because the heat can accelerate the lead leaching process.
Testing
- Activate the LeadCheck® Swab per the directions.
- Rub across all glazes on the dish for 30 seconds.
- If an unmistakably pink color appears on the swab, and/or on the ceramic surface, lead is leaching from the piece at a hazardous level.
Porcelain Fixtures
For over 100 years, lead has been added to porcelain enameling material. Both old and new bathroom fixtures such as bathtubs and sinks may leach lead; older tubs that have been repeatedly cleaned with abrasive cleaners will leach the highest amounts of lead. Simply touching or wiping the sides of these fixtures can transfer a residue of lead from the surface to a hand.
- Activate the LeadCheck® Swab according to the direction in the instruction manual.
- Rub the LeadCheck® Swab over a small area of the tub for 30 seconds, especially on the bottom of the tub where the enameled surface appears worn or "gritty". Also rub over any cracks or chips on the bottom or around the drain as these damages may leach lead.
- Examine the Swab tip and/or the tub surface for the development of any pink to red color. Any pink to red color indicates lead is leaching from the surface and represents a hazard.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are often decorated with lead glazes and fired in a kiln. Improper firing can allow the lead to leach from the glazes. In addition, surface abrasion from "normal" wear and tear can start to break down the glaze, which also allows lead to start leaching from the surface.
- Activate a LeadCheck® Swab according to the instructions.
- Gently squeeze the swab to force some of the amber LeadCheck dye onto the tile surface.
- While continuing to squeeze gently, run the swab tip over the tile surface for 30 seconds.
- If a pink or red color appears on the swab tip or the tile surface, potentially hazardous levels of lead are leaching from the surface.
Lead in Soil
Soil is often contaminated with lead-paint chips flaking from exterior house paint, from sandblasting near-by metal structures such as bridges and highway overpasses, and from automobile exhaust fume (leaded gas).
- Collect several spoonfuls of soil from various parts of your yard that you wish to test and place them in a flexible plastic bag. Break up any large clumps and mix all soil thoroughly.
- In a clean non-leaded glass or plastic container, place one teaspoon of soil and add two teaspoons of reconstituted lemon juice, such as Real Lemon.
- Thoroughly mix dirt and lemon juice together.
- Allow dirt to settle overnight at room tempature.
- The next morning, remove *one small drop of clear liquid above the dirt and place it on a piece of plastic wrap or waxed paper.
- Activate the LeadCheck® Swabs according to the directions and make sure that there is yellow liquid at the tip.
- Rub the Swab in the drop of liquid for about 15 seconds.
- If pink is observed on the swab, plastic wrap or both, high levels of extractable lead are present in the soil tested
* Be sure to use a small drop of liquid. A large drop dilutes the lead reactive material in the swab and can cause an inaccurate result.
Note: Some soil contains more clay that others and may completely absorb the two teaspoons of lemon juice. If your sample does not settle, leaving a layer of clear liquid, repeat the test and either add 3-4 teaspoons of lemon juice to one teaspoon of soil OR reduce the amount of soil to 1/2 teaspoon and add two teaspoons of lemon juice.
Solder and Metal Alloys
Lead Solder has been used in pipe joints for many years, although older homes are more at risk. In 1986, the use of lead solders in the excess of 0.2% were banned from use, however the lowest concentration of lead found in household solder is 37%. LeadCheck® Swabs will indicate lead in solder at 2% or higher. LeadCheck® Swabs will not turn pink when testing 0.2% or "lead free" solder.
- Wipe the surface dirt off the solder joint of your pipe with a paper towel or cloth.
- Rub the solder joint with an emery board or rough up the surface with a piece of sandpaper.
- Activate the LeadCheck® Swab according to directions.
- Squeeze the swab until a drop of yellow liquid appears. Drop one drop of the liquid onto the solder surface. Squeeze the swab until a drop of yellow liquid appears. Drop one drop of the liquid onto the solder surface.
- Touch, DO NOT RUB, the swab tip to the wet solder surface and dab gently for 10 seconds.
- If the swab tip turns pink or red, the solder contains greater than 2% lead. The solder does not pass the Federal Code for "lead free" solder.
- If the swab tip turns purple high levels of tin have been detected. Vigorus rubbing may cause a metallic film to be deposited on the swab.
- Repeat the test, making sure to only touch the tip of the swab to the solder surface. Do not rub!
Testing Brass
Brass is a metal alloy primarily comprised of copper, tin, and varying amounts of lead. Antique brass may contain very high levels of lead, while brass manufactured since 1986 usually contains less that 7-8% lead. In both instances, the lead may leach. Antique brass items such as candlesticks, key chains, or faucets may leave a lead residue on the hand when touched.
- Clean the surface with a household cleaner, rinse and dry.
- Activate the LeadCheck® Swab according to the directions.
- While squeezing the Swab to force some of the yellow liquid out onto the brass surface, gently dab the Swab tip over a small area of the brass for about 10 seconds. DO NOT rub the area with the Swab.
- If a pink or red color is observed, the brass contains leachable lead.
- A purple color on the Swab indicates that the tin and the swab were probably rubbed too hard on the brass surface. Repeat the test, keeping in mind to "gently tap or dab" the LeadCheck® reagent over the brass surface.
Paint on Brick
Brick can be porous and therefore highly absorbent. The LeadCheck® dye can simply be drawn into the surface making the developed color difficult to see.
For porous brick:
- Remove a paint chip from the surface and crumble onto a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper. Activate the LeadCheck® Swabs as described in the direction and rub into the paint.
- Alternatively score the paint down to the brick substrate. Activate the LeadCheck® Swab and rub on the exposed cross-section of paint. Look for pink color development on the exposed paint edge.
For red brick:
- Test for nonspecific color transfer to the swab tip by crushing the B ampoule of the LeadCheck® Swab and rubbing the clear liquid on an exposed section of brick. If the swab turns red remove a paint chip from the test surface. Follow the method described in the porous brick (above) to test the paint chip.
Plaster, Cement or Stucco Surfaces
Plaster has been used on interior walls as a finish for over 150 years and is mostly comprised of calcium sulfate. Because some of the lead may bind to the sulfate in the plaster instead of the LeadCheck® dye, the plaster may interfere with the LeadCheck® color development. It is sill possible to attain an accurate test using a minimal amount of care.
- Cut a notch into the paint down to the surface (see instructions). Try not to break or scratch the plaster surface.
- Clean the notch by brushing or blowing out any surface dust collected in the notched area.
- Activate the LeadCheck® Swab according to the standard instructions.
- Rub the swab tip in the notched area of the paint for about 30 seconds.
- Check the swab tip, paint surface and paint edge for a pink or red color development.
- If no pink color develops, be sure to confirm negative result on the test confirmation card. (Test confirmation cards are no longer supplied with the product but are available upon request.) If the confirmation dot does not turn pink immediately, the test is not valid; surface-dust has likely prevented the LeadCheck development. Repeat the test using a new LeadCheck® Swab.
- If a yellow or orange color persists, barium has been detected.
Red Paint
LeadCheck® Swabs turn pink to red when lead is detected. It is important, when testing surfaces painted with red paint, to make sure that the pigment will not bleed from the paint surface to the Swab tip.
- While using a cloth, clean red surfaces with a few drop of distilled white vinegar. If cloth turns pink or red, use *Sodium Sulfide to test the surface for the presence of lead.
*Sodium Sulfide can be purchased directly through Hybrivet.