children worldwide have lead poisoning (UNICEF)
deaths each year result from lead poisoning (WHO)
known safe level of lead in the human body (WHO)
of global GDP loss due to lead poisoning
Which methods to detect lead are there?
In addition to conventional laboratory analyses, the handheld XRF analyzer is the most widely used method for detecting lead because it provides fast and quantitative results. However, this tool is expensive ($30.000+) and requires training, making it inaccessible to local populations and authorities. Its use is therefore limited.
Lead pollution is typically very inhomogeneous, but it is also invisible, and many people are not aware of its presence and the danger it represents. The first step in avoiding lead poisoning is therefore locating the sources of lead. This allows to take action and helps raise awareness about the dangers of lead.
Field testing
Initial research brought up thirteen low-cost solutions to detect lead, of which two were promising and were chosen for the field testing: the sodium rhodizonate test and the Lumetallix test based on semiconductor technology. In the study they were evaluated with regard to various aspects, such as their ease of use, accuracy, cost, training, needed, speed, etc and how they could complement XRF measurements.
The team went into the field with a handheld XRF analyzer and the Lumetallix kit and visited various sites. On site they took XRF readings of the soil and collected soil to be later studied in the lab. Alongside the XRF, they also screened the site with the Lumetallix spray. Later, in the lab, the samples were again measured by XRF, tested with the rhodizonate test and the Lumetallix test. Expectedly, neither low cost test was as accurate as the XRF but they offer unique advantages. Lumetallix has been proven to be very fast and suitable for rapid screening, the rhodizonate test is much slower, but offers semi quantitative results.
In practice, one could for example screen a site with Lumetallix to find the pollution hotspots, obtain indications of the concentration of lead at selected spots with the rhodizonate test and only where necessary follow up with XRF. This would allow widespread screening for lead pollution with the help of the local population in low resource settings.
“Once we visited a small battery manufacturing site. Spraying the floor felt like giving our eyes superpowers. We could see footsteps of people lighting up bright green, showing that someone spread contamination with their shoes and one could distinguish normal dirt from lead dust.”
Inspired by Pure Earth’s efforts to combat the global lead poisoning crisis, our founders recognized the immense potential of their lead detection discovery. They understood the urgent need for affordable, easy-to-use lead detection tools. That’s why we’re committed to donating a portion of each purchase of our Instant Lead Detection Kit to Pure Earth, supporting their proven solutions to reduce lead exposure and poisoning in some of the world’s most affected countries.
Lumetallix, Pure Earth and the Tauw Foundation worked together in India to evaluate over a dozen methods to detect lead in various environmental media to identify low-cost tools to scale up efforts to prevent lead exposure and poisoning. Watch the progress and results of our research New Methods of Detecting Lead in the Environment.
Established in 1999, Pure Earth is a pioneer in developing evidence-based solutions to mercury and lead poisoning and pollution. Guided by our commitment to transparency, collaboration, impact measurement and technical excellence, Pure Earth works with partners around the world to sustainably address the root causes of lead and mercury pollution.
Pure Earth partners with governments, communities and industry leaders to identify and implement solutions that stop toxic exposures, protect health, and restore environments. We prioritize actions to protect the developing brains and bodies of children and pregnant women living in toxic hot spots. We work to stop the multigenerational cycle of poisoning that is endemic in many low and middle-income countries.
Learn more about Pure Earth at www.pureearth.org.
Join Pure Earth and Lumetallix in their mission to reduce lead exposure. Start testing today!
Reviews
Victoria
01:34 04 May 24
Before Lumetallix was invented, there wasn't a way for people without an XRF gun to test consumer products for lead.I... became lead aware after Corelle admitted that its pre-2005 dishes had lead (except for the plain white dishes--those are safe). I was really concerned about exposing my kids (and myself) to lead. I had no way to know which of my dishes were safe. I put away mugs and dishes that I thought could have lead, but I wanted to know for sure. So, I'm so grateful for this product! I bought a Lumetallix kit and tested a ton of my stuff at home.Using the test, I identified lead in:a Starbucks mug and soooo many promo mugsmy Wedgwood Peter Rabbit porringer :(the white logo on my Bodum glass beakerthe lid of a pill box from IrelandTo test for lead using Lumetallix, just spray (or drip) some of the test liquid on your item, then see if that creates a green glow using the included UV flashlight. The test can detect lead down to 500 ppm.People can post photos on the Lumetallix website of what they've found glowing using the test. It is so surprising what people have found that contains lead--bathtubs, dumbbells, yoga mats, vintage Pyrex mixing bowls, tire swings, Tiffany lamps, beer glasses, door/cabinet knobs.I highly recommend buying this test to see if your stuff contains lead. I tested so much of my stuff that I ran out of the test liquid, and I just ordered a refill 2 days ago. It is definitely worth the money to have the peace of mind, knowing whether your things are safe or leaded.Shipping from the Netherlands (where the company is based) to Canada took 8 calendar days.5/5 Cannot recommend highly enoughread more
msu mom88
23:20 10 Mar 24
An absolute MUST-HAVE for any family! Thanks to Lumetallix I started completely clearing my household of tons of lead... products...I had no idea the amount of exposure to my children, pets and family!read more
Brian Florea
12:56 10 Dec 23
I ordered the Lumetallix Test Kit, and it exceeded my expectations. The ease of use and accurate results make it an... excellent value. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to safeguard their health from lead contamination.read more
