Getting the Lead Out - Energy Dispersive X-Ray's Role in Uncovering Dangerous Toys

Everyone is becoming more aware of the influx of dangerous substances, specifically lead, being found in our everyday articles. Lead has been found in paints, plastics, and metal commonly used in toys. Compounding the problem even further is the difficulty in identifying which items contain harmful substances and which do not. This article investigates Energy Dispersive X-Ray's ability to identify lead in common constituents of toys, specifically in paints, resins, and metal.

There are two main areas of concern for contamination, the surface followed by the substrate. The surface finish can be a variety of materials, paint, resin, or metal. The surface is the first area of concern because this part has the most direct contact with the user. Contamination in the surface has the highest possibility of exposure or transfer to its user, with oral exposure being of particular concern. The second area of concern is the substrate. Over time the surface will wear off, exposing the user to the substrate and any contamination therein.