Lead Analysis
Exposure to lead is known to affect the health of children and adults. In particular, exposure to lead in paint, soil, and dust poses a significant risk to children---including a risk for permanent neurological damage---living in older homes, which make up much of the housing stock in major U.S. cities. In order to reduce, if not eliminate, the associated health risks, it is advisable to measure the presence of lead accurately and precisely.
Ana-Lab applies our experience as an NLLAP-accredited environmental lead laboratory. Our team -- consisting of chemists, technicians, and a quality assurance specialist -- has more than 10 years of experience in lead inspection and analysis.
Lead is a heavy metal and tops the list of environmental pollutants in its variety of sources and potential for exposure. People can be exposed to lead poisoning through air, paint, food, drinking water, dust and soil. Because lead was once commonly used in paints and water pipes, many older homes and office buildings present hazardous conditions. At Ana-Lab we analyze all forms of lead contamination, and highly recommend lead testing before removing old paint or buying a home or business space. We offer these lead analyses services to you using the following methods.
- Lead in drinking water by method EPA 200.8 (ICP/MS)
- Lead in paint by method ASTM E16-13
- Lead in dust by method ASTM E16-13
- Lead in petroleum contaminated soils and waters by method EPA200.7
In addition to lead, we can identify and quantify other potentially hazardous metals in air. If welding fumes are of concern to you, we will scan for aluminum, antimony, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, titanium, vanadium and zinc. We will profile toxic metals in air looking for arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, and vanadium. Or we can do a more inclusive metals scan including, but not limited to, aluminum, arsenic, antimony barium, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silver, sodium, tin, titanium, vanadium and zinc.
Chain of Custody
The chain of custody procedure is intended to ensure that the sample is kept secure at all times and will stand up to the documentation requirements that may be associated with legal challenge. The chain of custody document identifies the location, transfer, and security of the sample from collection to disposal and provides documentation that identifies each person having true possession of the sample. Therefore, this chain of custody exists before and after a sample arrives at the laboratory.
Introduction
An important legal aspect of sampling and analysis is the `chain of custody`. This is particularly the case when samples are collected on site and transferred to an analytical laboratory for testing. Results may be challenged in court if a clear chain of custody of the samples is not present.
Fundamentals
The essence of chains of custody are that the location and personnel responsible for test samples can be traced from the moment that the samples are taken to the time that the final results are reported to the client. This involves custody by the sampling team until the samples are relinquished, then transport by courier/etc. to the laboratory performing the analysis, and finally the chain of events within the laboratory leading to the reporting of the results.
There are three elements to consider
Control of custody at site is normally achieved by a member of the sampling team being made responsible for the correct labeling and storage of samples. The samples, once taken, must be clearly identified and ideally sealed in such a way as to indicate tampering. Their storage must then be controlled and their storage environment be fit for purpose.
Transport via a courier normally involves the completion of shipping notes that include brief descriptions of the samples. Couriers normally have good records of dates/times of receipt and delivery, including names/signatures of personnel involved.
Within laboratories custody of samples is normally very well controlled, as many samples from many different customers must be tested and reported correctly. There should be little reason for concern in this area.
Forms
The easiest way to standardize the chain of custody of test samples is to use a form similar to Ana-Lab`s Chain of Custody. The content of the forms clearly identifies,
Seals
Samples taken are then sealed prior to transport to the laboratory. These seals are designed to clearly identify any tampering with the samples prior to their arrival at the laboratory.
