This document provides a brief overview of analytical methods available for measuring lead in paint. It is primarily aimed at informing public health personnel, scientific institutions and policy-makers who are not laboratory specialists but who may need to develop plans for measuring the concentration of lead in new paint and for studies on the availability of lead paint on the market for purchase by consumers.
The document lists well-established analytical methods for measuring the lead content of paint and briefly describes some of the characteristics of these methods, including their strengths and limitations. It also highlights, for various types of applications and scenarios, the considerations when deciding whether to use a laboratory-based method or portable technology, and whether to establish a laboratory service for lead measurement or to buy in services from another laboratory. This document does not aim to provide a description of analytical methods and protocols or to make specific recommendations regarding methods or specific instruments. Detailed technical information on this subject is available elsewhere, and links to further information are provided in the references section and the annex.
