ASTM E1753-95

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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Designation: E 1753 – 95 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Use of Qualitative Chemical Spot Test Kits for Detection of
Lead in Dry Paint Films
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1753; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope color change within a specified time limit, usually within 10 to
30 s.
1.1 This practice covers the use of commercial spot test kits
3.1.5 rhodizonate spot test method—for lead detection, the
based on either sulfide or rhodizonate for the qualitative
use of a dilute solution of rhodizonate ion to test a painted
determination of the presence of lead in dry paint films.
surface or paint chip for the qualitative presence of lead (1). A
1.2 This practice may also be used as a qualitative proce-
color change from yellow/orange to pink or red indicates the
dure for other dry coating films such as varnishes.
presence of lead above the level of detection of the test kit.
1.3 This practice provides a list of the advantages and
3.1.6 spot test—the application of reagent solution to a
limitations of chemical spot test kits based on sulfide and
prepared dry paint film sample, paint chip, paint powder, or
rhodizonate to allow the user to choose the appropriate spot test
painted surface and the subsequent observation for the pres-
for a given circumstance.
ence or absence of the characteristic color change.
1.4 This practice contains notes which are explanatory and
3.1.7 sulfide spot test method—for lead detection, the use of
not part of mandatory requirements.
a dilute solution of sulfide ion to test a painted surface or paint
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
chip for the qualitative presence of lead (2). A color change
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
from clear to grey or black indicates the presence of lead above
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
the level of detection of the spot test.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1.8 test kit—equipment (for example, a cutting tool,
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
adsorbent applicators, if necessary) and chemicals (for ex-
2. Referenced Documents
ample, sulfide or rhodizonate spot test reagents and any
extraction solutions needed) assembled for use during spot
2.1 EPA Standards:
testing for lead.
EPA 600/R-93/085 Investigation of Test Kits for Detection
of Lead in Paint, Dust and Soil
4. Summary of Practice
EPA 600/R-93/129 Identification of Performance Param-
4.1 A dry paint film sample (a painted surface, paint chip,
eters for Test Kit Measurement of Lead in Paint
ground paint powder, or core sample) is tested for lead
3. Terminology
qualitatively through the use of spot tests. Spot tests kits are
2+
based on the reaction of Lead II (Pb ) ion with either sulfide
3.1 Definitions:
2− 2−
ion (S ) or rhodizonate ion [C O ] resulting in a visual color
3.1.1 core sample—a fragment of a dry paint film removed 6 6
change from clear to grey or black for lead sulfide and from
from the substrate with a coring tool which is designed to
yellow/orange to pink or red for lead rhodizonate.
remove a specified area (that is, a square centimetre) of dry
4.1.1 Prior to performing the spot test, first clean the dry
paint film.
paint film surface. Except for surface tests, the film is then
3.1.2 negative test—the absence of the characteristic color
prepared by either cutting a notch or an angular cut in situ or
change within a specified time limit, usually within a few
by removing a paint chip or core sample.
minutes.
4.1.2 The test is performed by applying the spot test
3.1.3 paint chip sample—a fragment of a dry paint film
reagents (directly or with the use of an adsorbent applicator) to
removed from the substrate.
the prepared dry paint sample and observing the requisite color
3.1.4 positive test—the observation of the characteristic
change after a specified time, usually within a few minutes.
4.1.3 An interpretation of the presence or absence of lead in
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-6 on Performance
the dry paint sample is made based on the observation of the
of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.23 on Lead Paint
presence or absence of the characteristic color change.
Abatement.
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 1995. Published November 1995. Originally
published as PS 18 – 95. Last previous edition PS 18 – 95.
2 3
Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
Office, Washington, DC 20402. this practice.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E 1753
5. Significance and Use refrigerator to retard the rate of hydrolysis of the rhodizonate
dye.
5.1 This practice is intended for use as a qualitative proce-
dure to check dry paint films for the presence of lead. The
8. Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Chemical
response of the spot test method varies depending on the
Spot Tests
extractability of lead from a paint matrix, which may differ
8.1 Sulfide Test—A clear solution of sodium sulfide reacts
depending on the test kit used, the paint type tested, and the
with lead in situ or on paint chips to produce a grey or black
form presented.
color (lead sulfide, PbS).
5.1.1 This technique is applicable to dry paint films and
8.1.1 Sulfide Test Advantages:
varnishes in a variety of forms including the intact dry paint
8.1.1.1 Sulfide-based tests are rapid, easy, and relatively
film surface, a notched or other angular cut surface that
inexpensive to use.
exposes a cross section of all paint layers, a paint chip, and
8.1.1.2 Sodium sulfide reacts with most lead containing
ground paint film or pellet.
pigments in paint, including lead chromate pigments within 1
5.2 The response of the spot test method varies depending
or 2 min.
on the extractability of lead from a coating matrix, which may
8.1.2 Sulfide Test Disadvantages:
differ depending on the test kit used, the coating type tested,
8.1.2.1 Sulfide solutions emit a toxic, potentially hazardous
and the form presented (3).
gas (H S) which has an unpleasant odor (rotten eggs). The
5.3 In some situations, metals and other chemical species
generation of hazardous levels of H S in the field, however, can
interfere with the spot tests causing false negative or false
be minimized by good ventilation, by using low concentrations
positive results (see Section 8).
of sodium sulfide (not to exceed 5 to 8 %), by restricting the
5.4 This practice may be used in conjunction with quanti-
volume of sodium sulfide solution used per test to a drop, and
tative analytical methods for lead such as portable X-ray
by carrying only small amounts of sodium sulfide solutions (30
fluorescence, anodic stripping voltometry, or laboratory analy-
mL or less). Also, since acid conditions increase the release
sis of paint chip samples.
H S gas, do not use a strong acid or an acidic solution to clean
5.5 Color blind individuals (protanomalous viewers) who
the test location either before or after the sulfide test is
are deficient in viewing red colors may have difficulty in
performed. The user is cautioned to minimize breathing in the
discerning the pink or red color of a positive rhodizonate test.
H S fumes. In addition, since sulfide solutions are alkaline, it
is recommended that the user consider wearing gloves and eye
6. Apparatus and Materials
protection. All solutions are to be kept out of the reach of
6.1 For Sulfide Spot Tests:
children.
6.1.1 Sulfide Based Spot Test Kit (usually consists ofa5to
8.1.2.2 Sulfide based tests are not specific for lead. In
8 % solution of sodium sulfide in a dropper bottle).
addition to lead, sulfide ion reacts with several other metal ions
6.1.2 Disposable Plastic or Latex Gloves.
to give a black color including iron, nickel, cobalt, copper,
6.2 For Rhodizonate Spot Tests:
mercury, and molybdenum (1, 4). Except for iron, the concen-
6.2.1 Rhodizonate Based Spot Test Kit (usually consists of
tration of these metals in paint is usually less than 1 %, which
rhodizonate reagent and an extraction solution).
is too low to be detected bya5to8% solution of sodium
6.2.2 Absorbent Applicators, for applying spot test reagents
sulfide (2). Iron-containing pigments, oxides, and iron blue are
or for extracting and collecting the lead from the painted
found in paints. Oxides are used primarily in exterior paints to
surface. Absorbent applicators (that is, swabs, filter paper) may
provide deep earth-toned colors. Although sodium sulfide
or may not be provided with a purchased test kit.
solution does not cause a color change with all iron oxide
6.3 For Both Sulfide and Rhodizonate Spot Tests:
pigments, positive sulfide spot test results on deep earth-toned
6.3.1 Non-Abrasive Cleaning Solution.
or blue colored paints are to be considered suspect. In these
6.3.2 Towels, Towelette, or Sponge.
cases, the use of other test procedures for lead is recommended.
6.3.3 Cutting Tool, used to cut into the dry paint film. A
8.1.2.3 Testing paint directly on metal surfaces composed of
cutting tool may or may not be provided with the kit.
iron, copper, or nickel (for example, pipes and radiators) is
Acceptable cutting tools include a clean cutting knife with a
discouraged as it may lead to false positive results. An
fine, sharp edge, razor knife, thin scalpel blade, or coring tool.
immediate dark color is formed on the surface of some treated
6.3.4 Mortar and Pestle, for grinding paint chip sample, if
steels, for example, phosphate treatment.
necessary.
8.1.2.4 Metals other than lead and iron found in large
6.3.5 Magnifying Glass (at least 43 power).
quantities in paint include zinc, titanium, and barium, but none
6.3.6 Flashlight, to examine color change under incandes-
of these metals produces a black color with sulfide (2). Zinc
cent light in unlit areas.
sulfides are colorless; titanium sulfides can be red or even grey,
and barium sulfides are yellow/green (1). However, these
7. Reagents
sulfides are rarely observed when testing paint with sodium
7.1 Reagents as Provided by the Spot Test Kit—Reagents sulfide spot tests because of the low solubility of the metal
and materials kept beyond the preparer’s expiration date or species in the sodium sulfide solution.
recommended shelf life shall be discarded. Store spot test kits 8.1.2.5 Sulfide can react with some non-lead containing
at room temperature away from direct sunlight or room light. paints used today to produce a grey color; however, most
Freshly prepared rhodizonate reagents require storage in a non-lead containing paints do not react with the 5 to 8 %
E 1753
solutions of sodium sulfide to give a grey color. Substrate materials such as plaster, gypsum wallboard (sheet
8.1.2.6 It is difficult to discern a black color against dark rock), some cement blocks, and some bricks may contain
paints such as black, brown, dark green, or dark blue. For dark soluble sulfates.
paints other than black, the use of a magnifying glass, white
NOTE 4—A rhodizonate test can be performed at a notched or angular
tissue, or commercial cotton swab to take up the black color
cut test location on wallboard (sheet rock) or on a paint chip removed from
may aid in the determination of the test result. Results observed
the wallboard (sheet rock), etc., provided any dust generated while cutting
at the test location shall be compared to a similarly prepared
a notch (or angular cut) is brushed from the notched (or angular cut) test
location or extricated paint chip before the test is conducted. Dust from the
control test location prepared a few centimetres away from the
substrate may be removed by brushing or blowing it out of the notch (or
test location and wetted with water. If there is no difference in
angular cut) or by washing it off the paint chip. Always confirm a negative
appearance between the control test location and the test
result by touching the reagent soaked adsorbent applicator to a lead
location, the test result is considered negative. Alternatively,
containing positive control.
for black paint and other dark colored paints, the use of a
8.2.2.4 The development of a pink/red color at the test
rhodizonate based test kit that uses absorbent applicators or
location or on the adsorbent applicator 30 to 60 min or even 18
other acceptable procedures is recommended.
to 24 h later indicates the presence of lead chromate pigments.
8.1.2.7 Once exposed to air, 5 to 8 % solutions of sodium
Rhodizonate reacts slowly with lead chromate pigmented
sulfide have a limited shelf life. Do not use sodium sulfide
paint. Paint containing lead chromate pigments (usually bright
solutions beyond their expiration date.
colors such as red, orange, yellow, and some greens) are found
NOTE 1—Shelf life depends upon storage, temperature, light condi-
primarily in marine and industrial settings and seldomly in
tions, and other use factors.
household paints. However, lead chromate containing paints
8.2 Rhodizonate Test—A yellow/orange solution of rhodi-
were sometimes used on metal surfaces, such as metal doors
zonate reacts with lead to produce a pink or red complex and metal door frames, found in and around buildings, and
(PbC O ) under acid conditions.
related structures. Since lead chromate is insoluble in water-
6 6
8.2.1 Rhodizonate Test Advantages: based media, the lead is only slowly extracted from these
8.2.1.1 Rhodizonate is more specific for lead in paint than
paints by the aqueous media provided by most field test kits. If
sulfide. Under acid conditions, only lead reacts with the lead chromate is suspected, a test location or the adsorbent
yellow/orange rhodizonate solution to give a pink to red color
applicator, or both, which gives an initial negative result should
(1, 5). be reexamined 30 to 60 min later or even up to 18 to 24 h later
for the formation of the characteristic pink/red color.
NOTE 2—If the pH of the rhodizonate reagent is neutral or basic, the
characteristic color change for lead is from yellow/orange to blue or
NOTE 5—Lead chromate-containing pigments as well as other colored
violet. However, under neutral or basic conditions, a blue or violet color
pigments were used in consumer paints prior to 1972 to provide colors
change is not specific for lead (1, 5).
ranging from blue-green across the spectrum to red. Thus, if a negative
result is obtained for bright y
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