Background:
Ceramic tiles are often decorated with lead glazes and fired in a kiln. Improper firing can
allow the lead to leach
from these 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. This can be a potential hazard
especially for young
children who may pick up some of the lead on their hands while crawling, or playing on
the tiled surface.
LeadCheck® Swabs can easily be used to detect leachable lead from tiled surfaces.
Method:
- Activate a LeadCheck® Swab according to the Instruction Manual.
- Gently squeeze the Swab to force some of the yellow/orange LeadCheck® dye onto the tile surface.
- While continuing to squeeze gently, rub the swab tip over the surface of the tile for about 30 seconds.
- If a pink or red color appears on the swab tip or tile surface, potentially hazardous levels of lead are
leaching from the tile.
*LeadCheck® Swabs are a versatile and sensitive screening tool for the detection of lead on any surface. This applications note provides a suggested
method to allow testing for a specific application. Additional information and help are available by calling 800-262-5323 or 508-651-7881.
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