Winter 2007 Newsletter
Wishing You a Lead Free Holiday Season
As Earlier this year we conducted an in-house experiment screening painted toys for lead. As we approached the holidays, we thought it would be interesting to test wrapping paper and Christmas ornaments for the presence of lead that could potentially be harmful.
Samples
We purchased samples of holiday items at a national chain store. Various brightly-colored glass ornaments - all made in China - were analyzed, and we looked at both shiny and matte-finish ornaments. The wrapping paper samples originated from both China and the USA. We examined traditional papers of different colors, as well as embossed foil papers. Silver tinsel made in the United States and icicle decorations manufactured in Thailand were also analyzed.
Testing Method
Chemir Analytical Services utilized SEM/EDXA to determine the presence of any high percentage of lead in the samples. A Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with an Energy Dispersive X-ray Analyzer (SEM/EDXA) is used to detect and spatially map elements present in a sample. For analysis, the sample is placed into a vacuum chamber and irradiated with a focused, high-energy electron beam. The resulting X-rays emitted from the sample possess discrete energy levels. Because each element emits its own characteristic “fingerprint” of discrete energy levels, it is possible to identify the elements present in the sample. When used with known standards, a semi-quantitative composition of elements from boron to uranium can be determined.
Conclusion
We are happy to report that the results of the analysis by SEM/EDXA revealed that no high percentages of lead were present in any of the analyzed samples. Further tests could include ICP, or Inductively Coupled Plasma analysis, a spectroscopic technique used to identify and quantify components by element down to ppm levels.
Enjoy a safe and happy holiday season!