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Trace Metals Unit - Environmental Lead Testing
Background Information on Environmental Lead Testing
Eradicating childhood lead poisoning includes eliminating lead hazards where young children play and live; this includes both the interior and exterior environment with special attention given to painted surfaces, dust, soil and water. When investigating the child's home environment the goal is to determine the possible sources of lead exposure and the practical means for reducing and eliminating these sources. Lead-based paint is an area of concern and a principal medium for lead contamination and exposure. Likewise, soil contaminated with lead from petroleum additives or from the leaching of exterior paint (near drip lines, etc.) may be tracked into homes. Like dust, it collects on hands, toys, and food and is ingested. Concentrations of lead in paint, dust, and soil must be determined if a comprehensive approach to the problem of lead ingestion from housing sources is to be established.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories (ID 102247), Trace Metals Unit is accredited through the American Industrial Hygiene Association Laboratory Accreditation Program, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC) in the Environmental Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELLAP) for dust wipe and soil analysis as documented by the Scope of Accreditation Certificate and associated Scope. The ELLAP is recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as meeting the requirements of the EPA National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP). Through this accreditation the Trace Metals Unit is an EPA recognized testing laboratory.
Methodology
Paint chips are analyzed in the field using a handheld x-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument. The laboratory analyzes dust wipes and soils for evidence of lead content using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).
Sampling Instructions, Forms and Rejection Criteria:
Dust Wipe and Soil Sampling for Lead Procedure
Environmental Lead Test Request Form With Chain of Custody DHHS-0558
Order Supplies:
To order environmental lead specimen collection kits (unit number 7), complete the Requisition for Clinical Specimen Containers (DHHS-0568)
Orders may be submitted by mail, fax (517-335-9039) or by phone (517-335-9040)
Contact Us:
Comments or questions regarding submitted specimens, ETOR, or to request reprints of results contact the DASH Unit at 517-335-8059.
Matthew Bashore, Data and Specimen Handling Unit (DASH) Supervisor
BashoreM@michigan.gov
Comments or questions regarding test results or testing methods contact the Trace Metals Unit
Kelley Freed, Trace Metals Unit Manager
Phone: 517-335-8357
FreedK1@michigan.gov
or
Keri Fisher, Analytical Chemistry Section Manager
Phone: 517-335-9489
FisherK@michigan.gov
Related Information:
MDHHS AIHA-LAP, LCC Certificate; Lab ID - 102247
Lead Hazard Remediation Program & Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention