Determination of Ti, Zn, and Pb in lead-based house paints by EDXRF

Abstract

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry with a fundamental parameters program was used to non-destructively determine the relative concentrations of Ti, Zn, and Pb in lead-based house paints manufactured by National Lead (Dutch Boy), Sherwin-Williams, DeVoe, Davis of Baltimore, Benjamin-Moore, Eagle-Picher, Lowe Brothers and by several lesser known companies. The relative concentrations of Ti, Zn, and Pb in the paints were plotted three dimensionally which showed that the major paint manufacturers can be discriminated and identified. Spectral digital libraries were constructed from our manufacturers' paint reference collection to determine who produced the paint in a homeowner's paint chips. The analytical method discussed in this paper is well suited for the analyses of paint chips that have separated naturally from the substrate.