Testing* for Lead Solder on Food Cans
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Background: Leaded solder was frequently used to seal cans containing food. In the past, the requirement was that the food from the cans be tested to make sure that the lead level did not exceed accepted safety levels. In 1995, the FDA prohibited the use of lead solder in the manufacture of food cans. The agency was able to monitor compliance by the much simpler method of testing the solder joints of food cans for lead content. At the outset of the regulatory change, the FDA was able to spot check approximately 8% of all goods imported into the country for compliance. However over time the increasing numbers of goods entering the country and budgetary restrictions within the FDA have sapped its ability to maintain this level of regulatory vigilance. It is now estimated that the FDA tests only 1.6% of imported goods for compliance. It is more important than ever for consumers to protect themselves by testing food cans for lead content. Using, LeadCheck® Swabs and the procedure outlined below, consumers can quickly and easily determine if the food cans they have purchased are safe. City or State building code inspectors in several states including Texas and Ohio already use LeadCheck® Swabs in the field to determine if solder conforms to Federal Codes (is lead free). Method: 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 a LeadCheck® Swab according to the directions. Squeeze the swab until a drop of the yellow/orange liquid drops onto the prepared solder surface. Touch, DO NOT RUB, the swab tip to the wet solder surface and dab gently for ten seconds or less (See Note). Interpretation: If the tip of the swab turns pink or red, the solder contains greater than 2% lead. The solder does not pass the Federal Code requirement for lead free solder. If the tip of the swab turns purple high levels of tin have been detected. Repeat the test making sure to just touch the tip to the solder surface - Do Not Rub! Note: Vigorous rubbing may cause a metallic film to be deposited on the swab. Do not rub the solder joint with the swab too long. *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.