Lead in the home is a serious health risk, especially for children. Professional inspections usually use an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device. Those inspections are costly, are often done after a confirmed poisoning, and can take several weeks to return results.
Researchers from two public health schools tested colorimetric wipes that change color when they detect lead. They collected 104 wipes from nine homes and seven vehicles of construction workers who live with children. The wipes turned light orange, orange, or red for low, medium, or high lead. Wipes detected lead on about 60% of home surfaces and 71% of vehicles. The wipes cost about $2–$10 per sample versus $60–$160+ for lab tests.
Difficult words
- colorimetric — that change color to show a chemical
- inspection — a careful check of a placeinspections
- poisoning — harm to the body from a toxic substance
- surface — the outside part of something like a tablesurfaces
- vehicle — a car or truck people use to travelvehicles
- detect — to find something that is not easily seendetected
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you test your home for lead with wipes or lab tests? Why?
- Which rooms or items at home do you think should be tested for lead?
