Determination by atomic-absorption spectrometry of lead in tin coatings intended to come into contact with food

Abstract

A method is described for the removal of the tin coating from tinplate and tinned steel or copper culinary utensils and the subsequent determination of the lead content of the tin layer by flame atomic-absorption spectrometry. The coating is removed from the tinned article by the action of hydrochloric acid in the presence of copper, which inhibits dissolution of the underlying steel, while tinned copper is treated with hydrochloric acid.