ASTM International has put forth two new standards that focus on composite wipe sample preparation for analysis following lead abatement activities in buildings.

Permanently removing all traces of lead-based paint hazards is considered a crucial element in the rehabilitation of older buildings, particularly those built prior to 1970.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires wipe clearance testing of settled dust for reoccupancy of housing built before 1970 that has undergone lead abatement. In addition, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that target housing owned by the federal government or receiving funds from HUD undergo wipe clearance testing of dust for reoccupancy following renovation that disturbs a surface coated with lead-based paint.

ASTM’s new standards (ASTM E2913 and E2914) will cover recognized methods of wipe sample preparation including the hotplate digestion of lead and the ultrasound extraction of lead.

“Four-wipe composite dust sampling provides a very reliable method for correctly detecting clearance failure of a floor versus a randomly selected single dust wipe sample of the floor,” says ASTM member Kenn White, principal, Consultive Services.

The standards will be primarily used by laboratories that are recognized under the EPA National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) as capable of performing the analysis of wipe samples for the presence of lead. The standards will provide these labs with reference methods upon which to base their standard operating procedures for pre-analysis preparation of composite wipe samples. In addition, ASTM E2913 and ASTM E2914 will have a secondary/informational audience of certified/licensed Lead-Based Paint Inspectors and Risk Assessors.

The new standards can be purchased here for $37 each:

http://www.astm.org/Standards/E2913.htm

http://www.astm.org/Standards/E2914.htm