Home > Resources > Sampling Guides > Lead Wipe Sampling

Lead Wipes Sampling

Guide for Lead Sampling Using Wipes

Objective

  • To capture and quantify lead levels from settable dust, present on surface samples.
  • To assess whether the levels present suggest a lead problem.

Advantages

  • Wipe sampling is able to pick up settled dust which may have originated from nearby construction and current or previous renovation.
  • Samples can be analyzed within 4 hours once dropped off at the lab.

Disadvantages

  • Lead wipe sampling to determine if paint is lead containing or not, is not as reliable actual paint chip sampling. If the top most layer of the substrate is being sampled by lead wipes, it may or may not contain lead which can ultimately give you false negative results. Wipe sampling is mainly to determine whether the actual surface of the substrate contains lead.

Equipment

  • Lead Wipe (ASTM 1792 Approved)
  • Lead wipe sampling template or masking tape
  • Ziploc baggie or transporter tube
  • Gloves

Template or Tape Masking

Before sampling, always put on clean gloves before touching each sample to avoid cross contamination.

  • Measure out a 24"x24" area to be sampled.
  • Place the cardboard template over the area or mask off the 24"x24" area with tape.

Sampling Protocols

  • Typical sampling locations include problem areas or areas where children may be present.
  • Within the template or taped area, wipe the entire surface starting from one corner with an "S" like motion from the bottom corner covering the whole surface.
  • Once the first wipe pass is done, do another pass in the opposite direction, perpendicular to the first pass.
  • Sampling in multiple directions is often helpful.
  • When sampling is completed, fold the wipe and place it into the Ziploc or transporter tube.
  • Record the area wiped on the COC. If the area sampled is not given on the COC, results will be in ug/wipe and will not be determined in ug/ft2.
  • If multiple samples are being taken, be sure to change out your gloves between each sample. This is important due to the strict clearance levels for floor sampling and this will prevent cross contamination.

Shipping

  • No special shipping requirements are necessary. Each individual sample should be placed in its own holding container/bag.