As everybody now knows, lead is a toxic metal. It is the element that we always hear about when hazardous substance testing reveals a problem with a consumer good (see toy recalls). Unfortunately, lead is also a very useful metal that has been used for ages in the manufacturing of everything from dishware to paint to electronics to jewelry. Only in the recent past have efforts been made to limit (or eliminate) lead from products (gasoline and house paint, for starters).
Lead has a number of harmful affects and can affect anybody but is particularly harmful in the development of children. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.2 percent of children in the United States between the ages of 1 and 5 years have blood levels of lead greater than or equal to 10 micrograms per deciliter. This amount has been linked with harmful health effects, in particular learning disabilities and behavior problems.
Lead does not provide any benefit to the human body – but, what causes the toxic effects of lead? It is poisonous when in a body because of the way it mimics other important and useful metals (commonly zinc and calcium). By binding with the normal molecular structures of enzymes in place of the helpful metals, lead limits the ability of the enzyme to function as it normally would and creates the various problems. For example, when lead takes the place of calcium then nerve impulses will not react properly. Even a small amount of lead can cause problems for children or adults and regulations will help to ‘get the lead out’ and keep everybody safe.
(this posting was written utilizing a variety of technical sources; please contact us for information on those)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Jewelry Industry Affected
At the upcoming MJSA Expo (April 13-15 in New York City), Skyray XRF will be demonstrating the EDX-2800. this instruemnt performs a variety of jewelry related analysis that is need by retailers, manufactureres, etc. However, it also provides hazardous substance detection; which is growing in importance to teh jewelry industry.
A variety of states are developing legislation that limits the amount of hazardous substances (lead, cadmium, etc) that is found in jewelry. Specifically, children or costume jewelry is being affected. The regulations began with California's Proposition-65 and several other states have passed similar laws. Their is still some debate on what qualifies as childrens jewelry but that is being determined (currently) on a state-by-state basis. The Fashion Jewelry Trade Association has a detailed list on their website.
The instrument that will be exhibited at the MJSA Expo (Skyray XRF EDX-2800) reads well below the parts per million (PPM) levels that the state laws require. While many HS Testing instruments are designed for only that type of test, the EDX-2800 comes with the added bonus of all the other testing operations noted above.
If you happen to be attending the MJSA Expo and would like to review the EDX-2800 System; please visit Skyray XRF at booth 221. Or, contact us to discuss further.
A variety of states are developing legislation that limits the amount of hazardous substances (lead, cadmium, etc) that is found in jewelry. Specifically, children or costume jewelry is being affected. The regulations began with California's Proposition-65 and several other states have passed similar laws. Their is still some debate on what qualifies as childrens jewelry but that is being determined (currently) on a state-by-state basis. The Fashion Jewelry Trade Association has a detailed list on their website.
The instrument that will be exhibited at the MJSA Expo (Skyray XRF EDX-2800) reads well below the parts per million (PPM) levels that the state laws require. While many HS Testing instruments are designed for only that type of test, the EDX-2800 comes with the added bonus of all the other testing operations noted above.
If you happen to be attending the MJSA Expo and would like to review the EDX-2800 System; please visit Skyray XRF at booth 221. Or, contact us to discuss further.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Pittcon Expo: most popular instrument?
While exhibiting at the recent Pittcon Conference and Exposition, one instrument stood out as the most popular...the Skyray XRF Pocket-II. The Pocket-II received the interest because it is a portable (or hand held) XRF that tests for hazardous substances.
Portable XRF technology has been a very popular method in screening both large and small items for hazardous substances. They are well received because of the low costs and, of course, the portability. The Skyray XRF unit stands out because it is one of the lightest hand held units available and was designed so that it is comfortable to hold and use (several Pittcon attendees noted that). It also happens to be one of the lowest priced units available.
Both portable and bench-top models of XRF have benefits over each other, but when results are compared against they are both effective for hazardous substance screening. Whether you choose a bench-top or portable depends on the variables.
Regardless of which you prefer or need, Skyray XRF has them available.
Portable XRF technology has been a very popular method in screening both large and small items for hazardous substances. They are well received because of the low costs and, of course, the portability. The Skyray XRF unit stands out because it is one of the lightest hand held units available and was designed so that it is comfortable to hold and use (several Pittcon attendees noted that). It also happens to be one of the lowest priced units available.
Both portable and bench-top models of XRF have benefits over each other, but when results are compared against they are both effective for hazardous substance screening. Whether you choose a bench-top or portable depends on the variables.
Regardless of which you prefer or need, Skyray XRF has them available.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Heavy Metals in Packaging
While most reports of hazardous substance testing focuses on consumer products (cosmetics, toys, jewelry, etc) little has been discussed regarding heavy metals in packaging. However, the need for appropriate testing of packaging for contaminants is growing in awareness. This is thanks to state laws that are being developed to prevent heavy metals found in packaging materials from eventually ending up in our environment.
The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) performed a study (and a subsequent report) in which they used X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) to test a wide range of retail packaging including aluminum, glass, paper, plastics, etc. According to the report, sixteen percent of the tested packaging failed the screening for heavy metals and would likely be in violation of state laws. Most failure was related to traces of lead and cadmium in imported flexible polyvinylchloride (PVC) packages and inks/colorants used on plastic bags.
In the report, the TPCH utilized portable XRF technology and verified the results with a bench-top XRF System – both style of XRF provided results that would be acceptable in hazardous substance reporting. Based on its study, "TPCH and its member states support the use of XRF technology to screen packages and packaging materials for compliance with state requirements."
Skyray XRF offers a new choice in portable XRF technology for North America; the POCKET-II Portable XRF System – with a lower cost than currently available models, this unit provides portability, Bluetooth technology and a weight of less than four pounds. Skyray XRF also has various bench-top models available for HS testing.
As previously noted, awareness is growing through individual states development of Toxics in Packaging Laws. In 1989 a model for legislation of this type was developed and since then nineteen states have adopted similar legislation; including (but not limited to) California, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island (members of the TPCH).
The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) performed a study (and a subsequent report) in which they used X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) to test a wide range of retail packaging including aluminum, glass, paper, plastics, etc. According to the report, sixteen percent of the tested packaging failed the screening for heavy metals and would likely be in violation of state laws. Most failure was related to traces of lead and cadmium in imported flexible polyvinylchloride (PVC) packages and inks/colorants used on plastic bags.
In the report, the TPCH utilized portable XRF technology and verified the results with a bench-top XRF System – both style of XRF provided results that would be acceptable in hazardous substance reporting. Based on its study, "TPCH and its member states support the use of XRF technology to screen packages and packaging materials for compliance with state requirements."
Skyray XRF offers a new choice in portable XRF technology for North America; the POCKET-II Portable XRF System – with a lower cost than currently available models, this unit provides portability, Bluetooth technology and a weight of less than four pounds. Skyray XRF also has various bench-top models available for HS testing.
As previously noted, awareness is growing through individual states development of Toxics in Packaging Laws. In 1989 a model for legislation of this type was developed and since then nineteen states have adopted similar legislation; including (but not limited to) California, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island (members of the TPCH).
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