Lead on Surface Testing Kit

The PRO-LAB® Professional Lead Test Kit provides a convenient and simple way to detect lead on any surface including: mini-blinds, ceramics, dishes, toys, water and sewer pipes, solder, painted wood or metal surfaces, soil, lead crystal and other items.

The effects of lead poisoning can be devastating. It has been estimated that more than 200,000 children in the U.S. have contracted lead poisoning resulting in brain damage, learning disabilities and mental retardation.

HOW DO YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH LEAD?

Although the use of lead-based paint (LBP) was banned in 1978, over 57 million homes still contain some lead according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Lead based paint can be on windows, doors, wood trim, walls, cabinets, porches, stairs, railings, fire escapes, old furniture (cribs), and even children's toys. As LBP cracks and peels, paint chips are loosened and ingested by children.

The PRO-LAB® Professional Lead Surface Test Kit is the most accurate and sensitive lead test kit available to the consumer. The NON-TOXIC chemically impregnated test pads, when moistened with water, provide the most effective and reliable results possible. The test pads detect the presence of lead to as little as 5 parts per million, (as documented by tests conducted the Midwest Research Institute).

DIRECTIONS

IMPORTANT NOTE: Before starting the test, you must cut the two (2) lead test pads into three (3) equal pieces each, creating a total of six (6) smaller test pads. To insure longevity, immediately place the product back in package to protect from damaging sunlight.

FOR MINIBLINDS, PIPES AND SOLDER

1. 1. CLEAN all dust, dirt and grease from surface to be tested. 2. TAKE A SMALL test pad and moisten with eye dropper by placing approximately 4 drops of water on test pad. Be careful not to over saturate the pad. (Note: Orange coloring of the test pad is normal when reacting to water. Do not be alarmed!) PRESS moistened test pad firmly against surface to be tested and hold for approximately two (2) minutes. RESULTS: If test pad or tested area turns pinkish to dark purple, dangerous levels of lead are present.

FOR CERAMICS, DISHES AND TOYS

1. Improperly manufactured glazed dishes and ceramics can result in lead absorbing into food and beverages causing lead poisoning. 1. CLEAN all dust, dirt and grease from surface to be tested. 2. TAKE A SMALL test pad and moisten with eye dropper by placing approximately 4 drops of water on test pad. Be careful not to over saturate the pad. (Note: Orange coloring of the test pad is normal when reacting to water. Do not be alarmed!) SLOWLY rub test pad over all patterns containing different colored surfaces and of course, over any chipped or cracked surfaces for a two (2) minute period. RESULTS: If the test pad or tested area turns pinkish to dark purple, dangerous levels of lead are present. Discontinue use of the tested item.

FOR PAINTED WOOD OR METAL SURFACES

1. 1. CLEAN all dust, dirt and grease from surface to be tested. 2. WITH A CLEAN KNIFE, cut or scrape through all layers of paint to expose bare surface. 3. TAKE A SMALL test pad and moisten with eye dropper by placing approximately 4 drops of water on test pad. Be careful not to over saturate the pad. (Note: Orange coloring of the test pad is normal when reacting to water. Do not be alarmed!) SLOWLYrub test pad over all patterns containing different colored surfaces and of course, over any chipped or cracked surfaces for a two (2) minute period. RESULTS: If test pad or tested area turns pinkish to dark purple, dangerous levels of lead are present.

FOR SOIL

1. For over 50 years exhaust from America's automobiles, using leaded gasoline, has contaminated the soil in many of our playgrounds and gardens. You can effectively determine the dangerous lead levels by following these directions: 1. Gatherone teaspoon of soil and place in a non-leaded (plastic) container. 2. Mix soil to break up any large pieces. 3. Add two (2) teaspoons white wine vinegar to the soil sample and mix well. Let sample sit overnight at room temperature. The following morning, remove one (1) small drop of of vinegar with eye dropper and place the drop on a dry test pad. Wait two (2) minutes and look for a noticeable pinkish to dark purple tinted color change. RESULTS: If test pad (with sample) turns pinkish to dark purple, dangerous levels of lead are present.

FOR LEAD CRYSTAL

1. 1. Add two (2) teaspoons of white wine vinegar in item to be tested. Let item sit overnight at room temperature. The following morning, remove one (1) small drop of vinegar with eye dropper and place the drop on a dry test pad. Wait two (2) minutes and look for a noticeable pinkish to dark purple tinted color change. RESULTS: If test pad (with sample) turns pinkish to dark purple, dangerous levels of lead are present.

CLEANING TEST SURFACES

If a surface becomes pink during testing, wash the area with an all-purpose household cleaner and the color will disappear.

RED PAINTED SURFACES

When testing surfaces that are painted red, you must check for "bleeding" of the red paint by moistening household cotton or cotton tipped applicator with a few drops of distilled white vinegar. Rub the moistened cotton on the red surface. If red appears, the lead test pads cannot be used.

PRECAUTIONS

1. 1. KEEP ALL PRO-LAB® TEST KIT ITEMS AND ANY LEAD-CONTAINING ITEMS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.Once a test pad has been moistened, use immediately. Test pads are not reusable. 3. If you wish to test the same item twice, WASH the item with ordinary all-purpose household cleaner before retesting. 4. If test results are positive, exercise precaution when handling the material. 5. PRO-LAB® lead surface test pads cannot be used to detect lead in water. For testing water, use PRO-LAB'S Lead in Water Test Kit. 6. PRO-LAB® lead surface test pads will not detect lead directly on plaster, a gypsum surface or gypsum dust. 7. When testing soldered food cans, be sure to rub the test pads only ten seconds or less. Longer rubbing times cause the test pads to turn purple, which may mask a positive test for lead.

WARRANTIES

The PRO-LAB® Professional Lead Surface Test Kit provides an instant method for the immediate detection of lead on miniblinds, solder, ceramics, dishes, toys, painted wood or metal surfaces, and soil. This test kit can alert the user to the presence of lead so that proper precautions can be taken. This test kit is designed as a qualitative (yes or no) test, and should not be considered quantitative (an exact amount). Under controlled laboratory conditions, this test will reproducibly detect down to 5 parts per million. Under the conditions described in the directions, the proper use of this test kit will detect high levels of leachable lead. The use of this test kit is not intended to replace a professional inspection. No guarantees are intended or implied.

LIABILITY

The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for the misuse of the PRO-LAB® lead test pads or for the interpretation of the results by the user. If lead contamination is suspected, based upon this test, consult a professional testing laboratory, a de-leading specialist or your local Department of Public Health. FOR MORE INFO, CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-427-0550