Method development of a sensitive and inexpensive lead sensing wipe

CHED 253

Elizabeth Walther, smitc@lake.ollusa.edu and Charles A. Smith. Department of Chemistry, Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 S.W. 24th Street, San Antonio, TX 78207
In late 2004 the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) agreed to replace all worn bathtubs in the Alazan-Apache Courts housing area. This offer by the SAHA was made after high levels of lead were found in a five year old boy with the source being his worn bathtub. Since only the worn tubs were replaced, many residents are still concerned about lead contamination in their old tubs because they were not replaced. The analytical question arises how does one inexpensively and conveniently test the surface of a large object like a bathtub for the presence of lead? The objective of this project is to develop an inexpensive wipe that will change color when wiped on a surface that is contaminated with low-levels of lead.