ASTM E2119-24

Standard Practice for Quality Systems for Conducting In Situ Measurements of Lead Content in Paint or Other Coatings Using Field-Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Devices

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice provides procedures to generate and document QC data for ensuring that an XRF is operating within acceptable tolerances throughout the testing period when being used to collect lead results during a lead-based paint (LBP) inspection for the purposes of generating lead classification results.  
5.2 This practice is intended to supplement XRF instrument manufacturer protocols and PCSs4 through the use of QA and QC procedures to provide uniform lead testing practices among the wide variety of available field-portable XRF instruments.
Note 1: The United States requires that an XRF used to perform a lead-based paint inspection in housing is to be utilized according to the PCS for the particular instrument model in use.  
5.3 While the QC results collected using this practice can provide assurances that an XRF instrument is operating within acceptable tolerances, this practice does not determine an actual level of confidence for a classification result obtained from an XRF measurement.  
5.4 This practice does not address selection of test locations or representative sampling for leaded paint. Additional information on conducting measurements of lead in leaded paint or other coatings may be found in Guide E2115 and the HUD Guidelines, Chapter 7.  
5.5 This practice involves the use of field-portable XRF instruments that may contain radioactive materials or X-ray tubes that emit X-rays or gamma rays, or both. These instruments are intended for use only by qualified, trained personnel.  
5.6 The use of field-portable XRF instruments for measurement of lead may not accurately reveal low but still potentially hazardous levels of lead.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the collection and documentation of quality control (QC) measurements for determining acceptable levels of instrumental performance when using field-portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry devices (XRFs) for the purposes of generating lead classification results from measurements on paint and other coating films within buildings and related structures.  
1.1.1 This practice is not designed to determine the presence of a hazard as defined by authorities having jurisdiction in the United States or other jurisdictions. See Guide E2115 and the HUD Guidelines for more information.  
1.2 QC procedures covered in this provisional practice include the performance of calibration checks, substrate bias checks, and specific instructions for documenting the collected data for later use in reporting the results.  
1.3 No detailed operating instructions are provided because of differences among the various makes and models of suitable instruments. Instead, the analyst is to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the particular XRF device or other relevant sources of information on XRF operation.  
1.4 This practice contains notes which are explanatory and are not part of the mandatory requirements of this provisional practice.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2024
• ICS: 13.080.10 - Chemical characteristics of soils
• Technical Committee: D22 - Air Quality
• Drafting Committee: D22.12 - Sampling and Analysis of Lead for Exposure and Risk Assessment

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2119-20 - Standard Practice for Quality Systems for Conducting In Situ Measurements of Lead Content in Paint or Other Coatings Using Field-Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM E1729-24 - Standard Practice for Field Collection of Dried Paint Samples for Subsequent Lead Determination
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM E1729-20 - Standard Practice for Field Collection of Dried Paint Samples for Subsequent Lead Determination
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2020
• Referred By: ASTM E2115-22 - Standard Guide for Conducting Lead Hazard Assessments of Dwellings and of Other Child-Occupied Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024

Overview

ASTM E2119-24 is the standard practice for quality systems related to conducting in situ measurements of lead content in paint or other coatings using field-portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) devices. Published by ASTM International, this standard focuses on implementing robust quality control (QC) procedures to ensure reliable and accurate lead measurement results during lead-based paint (LBP) inspections in buildings and similar structures. The standard outlines requirements for calibration checks, substrate bias checks, and the comprehensive documentation needed to maintain traceability and regulatory compliance.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application

  • Addresses procedures for collecting and documenting QC measurements using field-portable XRF instruments.
  • Supplementary to manufacturer protocols, it promotes uniformity across various makes and models of XRF devices.

• Quality Control Procedures

  • Outlines requirements for calibration checks before, during, and after testing periods.
  • Requires substrate bias checks using defined control blocks to determine substrate effects on measurements.
  • Specifies detailed record-keeping requirements, including manual and electronic data recording.

• Calibration and Instrument Checks

  • Requires bracketing of all field measurements by successful initial and final calibration checks, ensuring the instrument is within acceptable tolerances.
  • Mandates checks for different operating modes as recommended by the manufacturer or regulatory guidance.

• Safety and Compliance

  • Addresses the presence of radioactive materials or X-ray tubes in XRF instruments, restricting use to trained personnel.
  • Emphasizes adherence to safety and environmental practices aligned with regulatory standards.

Applications

• Lead-Based Paint Inspections

  • Used by certified professionals during residential, commercial, or industrial inspections for regulatory compliance or risk assessment.
  • Enables rapid, non-destructive testing of lead in painted surfaces on-site, streamlining building surveys and property evaluations.

• Hazard Assessment Reporting

  • Supports compliance with federal, state, and local regulations concerning lead in paint, especially in housing and child-occupied facilities.
  • Facilitates generation of documentation necessary for property lease or sale disclosures regarding lead-based paint hazards.

• Data Traceability and Regulatory Record Keeping

  • Ensures the integrity and accessibility of measurement records, aiding audits or follow-up inspections.
  • Standardizes methods for unique sample identification, location tracking, and result classification based on regulatory lead action levels.

Related Standards

When using ASTM E2119-24, professionals often reference the following standards and regulatory documents to ensure comprehensive lead inspection procedures:

• ASTM E2115: Guide for Conducting Lead Hazard Assessments of Dwellings and of Other Child-Occupied Facilities.
• ASTM E2239: Practice for Record Keeping and Record Preservation for Lead Hazard Activities.
• ASTM E1645, E1729: Practices for preparation and field collection of paint samples for lead analysis.
• HUD Guidelines: Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing.
• 40 CFR 745: Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention in Certain Residential Structures, US EPA.
• ASTM E1605: Terminology Relating to Lead in Buildings.

ASTM E2119-24 forms a critical framework for the effective in situ measurement of lead in coatings using XRF devices, ensuring quality control, data integrity, and regulatory compliance in lead hazard activities. Utilizing this standard helps reduce exposure risks and supports public health initiatives in the built environment.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2119 − 24
Standard Practice for
Quality Systems for Conducting In Situ Measurements of
Lead Content in Paint or Other Coatings Using Field-
Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Devices
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2119; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This practice covers the collection and documentation of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
quality control (QC) measurements for determining acceptable
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
levels of instrumental performance when using field-portable
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry devices
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
(XRFs) for the purposes of generating lead classification
results from measurements on paint and other coating films
2. Referenced Documents
within buildings and related structures.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1.1 This practice is not designed to determine the presence
D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of
of a hazard as defined by authorities having jurisdiction in the
Atmospheres
United States or other jurisdictions. See Guide E2115 and the
E1605 Terminology Relating to Lead in Buildings
HUD Guidelines for more information.
E1645 Practice for Preparation of Dried Paint Samples by
1.2 QC procedures covered in this provisional practice
Hotplate or Microwave Digestion for Subsequent Lead
include the performance of calibration checks, substrate bias
Analysis
checks, and specific instructions for documenting the collected
E1729 Practice for Field Collection of Dried Paint Samples
data for later use in reporting the results.
for Subsequent Lead Determination
1.3 No detailed operating instructions are provided because
E2115 Guide for Conducting Lead Hazard Assessments of
of differences among the various makes and models of suitable Dwellings and of Other Child-Occupied Facilities
instruments. Instead, the analyst is to follow the instructions E2239 Practice for Record Keeping and Record Preservation
provided by the manufacturer of the particular XRF device or for Lead Hazard Activities
other relevant sources of information on XRF operation. E3193 Test Method for Measurement of Lead (Pb) by Flame
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS)
1.4 This practice contains notes which are explanatory and
E3203 Test Method for Determination of Lead in Dried
are not part of the mandatory requirements of this provisional
Paint, Soil, and Wipe Samples by Inductively Coupled
practice.
Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
2.2 Other Documents:
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
40 CFR 745 Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention in
standard. 3
Certain Residential Structures
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
HUD Guidelines Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing, 2nd Edition,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
July 2012
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on Air Quality the ASTM website.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.12 on Sampling and Analysis Available from United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), William
of Lead for Exposure and Risk Assessment. Jefferson Clinton Bldg., 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460,
Current edition approved April 1, 2024. Published April 2024. Originally http://www.epa.gov.
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as E2119 – 20. DOI: Available from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th
10.1520/E2119-24. Street, SW, Washington, DC 20410, http://www.hud.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2119 − 24
3. Terminology for-lead, at or above and appropriate local, state, or federal
action level for lead in coatings.
3.1 Definitions—For definition of terms not presented
below, refer to Terminologies D1356 and E1605.
3.2.12.1 Discussion—A negative-for-lead result does not
mean there is no lead present.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.12.2 Discussion—For some makes and models of XRF
3.2.1 building component, n—part or element of a building
instruments, lead measurement values obtained near an appro-
that is made of an industry product that is manufactured as an
priate local, state, or federal action level for lead in coatings
independent unit and is capable of being joined with other
may generate inconclusive lead classification results.
elements.
3.2.13 nominal read time, n—a read time that results when
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Examples include doors, walls,
the radioactive source normally provided by the manufacturer
baseboards, and exterior siding.
for that XRF instrument is at its original source strength.
3.2.2 calibration check, n—a procedure that generates a QC
3.2.14 operating mode, n—one or more settings that define
measurement using a calibration test sample with one type of
the operating parameters of an XRF instrument.
control block (usually wood).
3.2.14.1 Discussion—Some XRF instruments have multiple
3.2.3 calibration mode, n—a selected operating mode that
settings for use under different testing situations, for example,
permits adjustment of an instrument’s calibration.
substrates, time, or testing objectives.
3.2.4 calibration test sample, n—a test film sample of a
3.2.15 performance characteristic sheet (PCS), n—defines
known lead level in mg/cm which has a reported uncertainty
acceptable operating specifications and procedures for a spe-
of the lead level traceable to the National Institute of Standards
cific XRF lead-based paint analyzer as determined by HUD for
and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Materials (SRMs)
use in housing in the United States.
or other national or international standard reference materials
3.2.15.1 Discussion—If an XRF analyzer does not have a
that have a known specified uncertainty for the known lead
PCS, or if it is not used, or if the data are not analyzed in
level.
accordance with its PCS, the actions and results may not be
3.2.4.1 Discussion—For example, use of SRM 2579a, Lead
recognized for hazard determinations in housing in the United
Paint Films for Building Surfaces (SRM 2570 through SRM
States.
2575), is required in the United States when conducting
3.2.16 power-down, n—an event where the power to the
lead-based paint inspections.
XRF instrument is turned off.
3.2.4.2 Discussion—Calibration test samples may be sepa-
3.2.16.1 Discussion—The XRF instrument cannot collect
rate from a substrate or adhered to a substrate.
and display any XRF measurements after a power-down.
3.2.5 continuing calibration check, n—a calibration check
3.2.17 power-on, n—an event where the power to the XRF
performed during the testing day after the initial calibration
instrument from the battery is turned on.
check. A continuing calibration check also can serve as a final
3.2.17.1 Discussion—The XRF instrument can collect and
calibration check.
display XRF measurements after a power-on.
3.2.6 control block, n—a small block of material of an
3.2.18 probe, n—a hand-held device containing an excita-
identifiable substrate type used to simulate a building material
tion source, X-ray detector and associated mechanical and
during QC measurements.
electronic components that is placed against a test location or
3.2.7 display unit, n—an electronic device that presents the
calibration test sample to obtain an XRF measurement.
results of an XRF measurement to the user. Other parameters
3.2.19 radioactive source, n—a radioactive material (for
such as total measurement time also may be presented. 57 109
example, Co or Cd) that emits X-rays or gamma rays, or
3.2.8 excitation source, n—a part of an electronic device
both, that cause ionization of atoms in the sample, and
that emits X-rays or gamma rays, or both, that cause ionization
subsequently a cascade of higher energy electrons into the
of atoms in the sample, and subsequently a cascade of higher
vacated lower energy shells.
energy electrons into the vacated lower energy shells.
3.2.19.1 Discussion—As these electrons fall into the lower
3.2.9 final calibration check, n—the last calibration check
energy orbitals, X-rays characteristic of the atomic species,
performed in a testing period.
such as lead, are emitted from the test location.
3.2.10 inconclusive lead classification result, n—a lead 3.2.20 read time, n—a period of X-ray data collection time
classification result that reliably cannot be expressed, for
controlled manually or automatically depending on the XRF
example, reported, as either containing lead (positive) or not instrument model.
containing lead (negative) at or above an appropriate local,
3.2.20.1 Discussion—The read time begins with the opening
state, or federal action level for lead in coatings.
of the XRF instrument shutter to expose the paint film surface
3.2.11 initial calibration check, n—the first calibration
to source gamma rays and X-rays, and ends when the source
check of the testing period performed after the XRF instrument
shutter is closed and the XRF reading is complete.
has been turned on and allowed to warm up.
3.2.21 sampling site, n—a local geographical area that
3.2.12 lead classification result, n—an XRF measurement contains at least one unit being tested. A sampling site
expressed, for example, as either positive-for-lead, or negative- generally is limited to an area that is easily covered by walking.
E2119 − 24
3.2.22 substrate, n—the building material that lies under the energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry devices
coating. (XRFs) to collect measurements of lead in paint or lead in other
coating films for the purposes of generating lead classification
3.2.23 substrate bias check (SBC), n—a procedure that
results. This practice includes start-up procedures, beginning-
generates a QC measurement using a calibration test sample
of-day calibration check QC procedures, during-the-test-day
and a control block to determine the effect of that substrate on
QC check procedures, and end-of-day QC check procedures
the XRF measurement.
designed to complement standard operating procedures written
3.2.24 substrate-corrected XRF measurements, n—a proce-
by manufacturers for specific models of field-portable XRF
dure that corrects an XRF measurement for substrate effects
instruments.
(see the HUD Guidelines for more information on substrate
corrections).
5. Significance and Use
3.2.25 substrate type, n—the type of building material that
5.1 This practice provides procedures to generate and docu-
lies under the coating.
ment QC data for ensuring that an XRF is operating within
3.2.25.1 Discussion—Examples include wood, plaster, gyp-
acceptable tolerances throughout the testing period when being
sum wallboard, metal, brick, and concrete.
used to collect lead results during a lead-based paint (LBP)
3.2.26 testing period, n—a block of time that defines the
inspection for the purposes of generating lead classification
continuous power-on operation of an XRF instrument.
results.
3.2.26.1 Discussion—Any power-down of an XRF instru-
5.2 This practice is intended to supplement XRF instrument
ment terminates the testing period.
manufacturer protocols and PCSs through the use of QA and
3.2.27 test location, n—an area on a building component
QC procedures to provide uniform lead testing practices among
where a lead measurement value is obtained.
the wide variety of available field-portable XRF instruments.
3.2.28 unit, n—all or a portion of a structure or facility that
NOTE 1—The United States requires that an XRF used to perform a
is the target of an investigation.
lead-based paint inspection in housing is to be utilized according to the
PCS for the particular instrument model in use.
3.2.28.1 Discussion—Test locations are considered to be
within a unit. An example of a unit is a single-family dwelling
5.3 While the QC results collected using this practice can
including a detached garage that is part of the property.
provide assurances that an XRF instrument is operating within
3.2.29 X-ray detector, n—a device that results in an elec-
acceptable tolerances, this practice does not determine an
tronic signal as a result of the interception of an X-ray.
actual level of confidence for a classification result obtained
3.2.29.1 Discussion—Examples include gas proportional
from an XRF measurement.
counters, for example, Xe, solid scintillation counters, for
5.4 This practice does not address selection of test locations
example, CsI, and semiconductor devices of elemental
or representative sampling for leaded paint. Additional infor-
composition, for example, Si or Ge, or compound composition,
mation on conducting measurements of lead in leaded paint or
for example, HgI , CdTe, or CdZnTe.
other coatings may be found in Guide E2115 and the HUD
3.2.30 X-ray tube, n—a device for generating X-rays that
Guidelines, Chapter 7.
accelerates electrons to high energies to have them strike a
5.5 This practice involves the use of field-portable XRF
metal target which emits the X-rays.
instruments that may contain radioactive materials or X-ray
3.2.31 XRF instrument, n—a field-portable XRF device or
tubes that emit X-rays or gamma rays, or both. These instru-
analyzer with associated equipment designed and manufac-
ments are intended for use only by qualified, trained personnel.
tured for use in measuring lead in paint or other coating films.
5.6 The use of field-portable XRF instruments for measure-
3.2.31.1 Discussion—XRF instruments, at minimum, in-
ment of lead may not accurately reveal low but still potentially
clude an excitation source, such as a radioactive source or
hazardous levels of lead.
X-ray tube, X-ray detector, probe, and a display unit.
3.2.32 XRF measurement, n—a procedure used to determine
6. Materials and Equipment
the lead content of a coating at a test location using an XRF
2 6.1 (Field-Portable) XRF Instrument—One of a variety of
instrument, or a lead result, expressed as mg of lead per cm of
the commercially available field-portable XRF instruments
surface, that is, mg/cm , obtained from a coating at a test
designed for use in measuring lead in paint and other coatings.
location using an XRF instrument.
6.2 Calibration Check Samples—Calibration test samples
3.2.32.1 Discussion—An XRF measurement may be one
that are used to verify XRF instrument calibration.
reading or the average of two or more XRF readings.
6.3 Control Blocks—A set of substrate materials for use in
3.2.33 XRF reading, n—a response, expressed as mg of
2 2
making QC measurements as defined in Table 1.
lead/cm of surface, that is, mg/cm , of an XRF instrument for
one read time.
6.4 Substrate Support—A support material used to hold
calibration check samples and control blocks away from any
4. Summary of Practice
additional underlying material in a manner that will not
4.1 This practice covers the quality assurance (QA), QC, interfere with the lead measurements on calibration check
and recording procedures to follow when using field-portable samples. The support material shall not itself have potentially
E2119 − 24
A
TABLE 1 Specifications for Control Blocks panels or load centers, lying immediately under or very near the test
location.
Substrate Materials
Control Block Substrate Minimum Thickness of
Represented by Control
B
Material Control Block
7.2 Warm-Up of XRF Instruments—All XRF instruments
Block
shall be allowed to warm up prior to making any XRF
Wood, clear pine All wood and wallboard 17 mm
materials measurements according to manufacturer’s instructions. In
absence of specific instructions from the manufacturer, expend
C
Metal (316 stainless) All metal materials 6 mm
a minimum of 5 min between the time an XRF instrument is
turned on to the time that XRF instrument is used to perform
Brick All plaster, poured concrete, 50 mm
pressed concrete, and brick
XRF measurements.
materials
A
7.3 Identification of Test Locations—Each XRF measure-
Other materials can be used to supplement this list. However, it is the
responsibility of the user to properly characterize other control block materials. ment shall be uniquely identified and recorded. Identification
B
All control blocks are to have minimum length and width dimensions of 60 mm by
shall be such that a given XRF measurement can be uniquely
60 mm.
C
associated with only one test location or control block mea-
This grade of steel has been selected because it is impervious to rusting.
Although this steel is not representative of the types of painted or coated metals
surement. If a measurement is the average of more than one
commonly found in buildings and related structures, it will serve to provide a
XRF reading, each XRF reading included in the average shall
satisfactory surrogate for quality control measurements. Carbon steel is suscep-
be uniquely identified and recorded. See Section 8 on record
tible to rusting but is a more common coated building material in housing,
commercial and steel structures components. Although rust preventing in nature,
keeping.
316 grade stainless steel may be more difficult to locate and is typically not coated
in “real world” applications. 7.4 Quality Control (QC) Checks—Perform QC checks as
specified below:
7.4.1 QC Calibration Checks—Perform calibration checks
as specified in Table 2 for each operating mode used during the
interfering leaded paint or other material within or on it and
testing period (see Note 4). If more than one operating mode is
shall be one of the following:
used during a testing period, then replicate QC calibration
6.4.1 A polystyrene foam block with minimum thickness of
checks, as specified in Table 2, for each of the different
25 cm,
calibration modes using a control block substrate type that is
6.4.2 A table constructed from an empty cardboard box with
appropriate for the operating mode are required. Depending on
minimum height of 25 cm, or
the make and model of the XRF instrument, different operating
6.4.3 Any physical arrangement that holds the calibration
modes may be specified by the manufacturer on different
check sample so that at least 25 cm of free air space or foam
substrate types.
material exists between the XRF instrument-sample-substrate
arrangement and any nearby physical objects. NOTE 4—For example, different modes may exist for wood, metal, and
other non-wood or non-metal substrate types.
7. Procedure
7.4.1.1 If the error tolerance specifications in Table 2 are not
NOTE 2—It is highly recommended that a room inventory or testing
met for any of the QC calibration checks, the XRF instrument
preplan be performed and documented either of the entire unit or of each
is out-of-specification and shall not be used for
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2119 − 20 E2119 − 24
Standard Practice for
Quality Systems for Conducting In Situ Measurements of
Lead Content in Paint or Other Coatings Using Field-
Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Devices
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2119; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the collection and documentation of quality control (QC) measurements for determining acceptable levels
of instrumental performance when using field-portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry devices (XRFs) for the
purposes of generating lead classification results from measurements on paint and other coating films within buildings and related
structures.
1.1.1 This practice is not designed to determine the presence of a hazard as defined by authorities having jurisdiction in the United
States or other jurisdictions. See Guide E2115 and the HUD Guidelines for more information.
1.2 QC procedures covered in this provisional practice include the performance of calibration checks, substrate bias checks, and
specific instructions for documenting the collected data for later use in reporting the results.
1.3 No detailed operating instructions are provided because of differences among the various makes and models of suitable
instruments. Instead, the analyst is to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the particular XRF device or other
relevant sources of information on XRF operation.
1.4 This practice contains notes which are explanatory and are not part of the mandatory requirements of this provisional practice.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on Air Quality and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.12 on Sampling and Analysis of
Lead for Exposure and Risk Assessment.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2020April 1, 2024. Published September 2020April 2024. Originally approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 20162020 as
E2119 – 16. DOI: 10.1520/E2119-20.20. DOI: 10.1520/E2119-24.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2119 − 24
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
E1605 Terminology Relating to Lead in Buildings
E1645 Practice for Preparation of Dried Paint Samples by Hotplate or Microwave Digestion for Subsequent Lead Analysis
E1729 Practice for Field Collection of Dried Paint Samples for Subsequent Lead Determination
E2115 Guide for Conducting Lead Hazard Assessments of Dwellings and of Other Child-Occupied Facilities
E2239 Practice for Record Keeping and Record Preservation for Lead Hazard Activities
E3193 Test Method for Measurement of Lead (Pb) by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS)
E3203 Test Method for Determination of Lead in Dried Paint, Soil, and Wipe Samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical
Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
2.2 Other Documents:
40 CFR 745 Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention in Certain Residential Structures
HUD Guidelines Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing, 2nd Edition, July 2012
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definition of terms not presented below, refer to Terminologies D1356 and E1605.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 building component, n—part or element of a building that is made of an industry product that is manufactured as an
independent unit and is capable of being joined with other elements.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
Examples include doors, walls, baseboardbaseboards, and exterior siding.
3.2.2 calibration check, n—a procedure that generates a QC measurement using a calibration test sample with one type of control
block (usually wood).
3.2.3 calibration mode, n—a selected operating mode that permits adjustment of an instrument’s calibration.
3.2.4 calibration test sample, n—a test film sample of a known lead level in mg/cm which has a reported uncertainty of the lead
level traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) or other
national or international standard reference materials that have a known specified uncertainty for the known lead level.
3.2.4.1 Discussion—
For example, use of SRM 2579a, Lead Paint Films for Building Surfaces (SRM 2570 through SRM 2575), is required in the United
States when conducting lead-based paint inspections.
3.2.4.2 Discussion—
Calibration test samples may be separate from a substrate or adhered to a substrate.
3.2.5 continuing calibration check, n—a calibration check performed during the testing day after the initial calibration check. A
continuing calibration check also can serve as a final calibration check.
3.2.6 control block, n—a small block of material of an identifiable substrate type used to simulate a building material during QC
measurements.
3.2.7 display unit, n—an electronic device that presents the results of an XRF measurement to the user. Other parameters such as
total measurement time also may be presented.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460,
http://www.epa.gov.
Available from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20410, http://www.hud.gov.
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3.2.8 excitation source, n—a part of an electronic device that emits X-rays or gamma rays, or both, that cause ionization of atoms
in the sample, and subsequently a cascade of higher energy electrons into the vacated lower energy shells.
3.2.9 final calibration check, n—the last calibration check performed in a testing period.
3.2.10 inconclusive lead classification result, n—a lead classification result that reliably cannot be expressed, for example,
reported, as either containing lead (positive) or not containing lead (negative) at or above an appropriate local, state, or federal
action level for lead in coatings.
3.2.11 initial calibration check, n—the first calibration check of the testing period performed after the XRF instrument has been
turned on and allowed to warm up.
3.2.12 lead classification result, n—an XRF measurement expressed, for example, as either positive-for-lead, or negative-for-lead,
at or above and appropriate local, state, or federal action level for lead in coatings.
3.2.12.1 Discussion—
A negative-for-lead result does not mean there is no lead present.
3.2.12.2 Discussion—
For some makes and models of XRF instruments, lead measurement values obtained near an appropriate local, state, or federal
action level for lead in coatings may generate inconclusive lead classification results.
3.2.13 nominal read time, n—a read time that results when the radioactive source normally provided by the manufacturer for that
XRF instrument is at its original source strength.
3.2.14 operating mode, n—one or more settings that define the operating parameters of an XRF instrument.
3.2.14.1 Discussion—
Some XRF instruments have multiple settings for use under different testing situations, for example, substrates, time, or testing
objectives.
3.2.15 performance characteristic sheet (PCS), n—defines acceptable operating specifications and procedures for a specific XRF
lead-based paint analyzer as determined by the HUD for use in housing in the United States.
3.2.15.1 Discussion—
If an XRF analyzer does not have a PCS, or if it is not used, or if the data are not analyzed in accordance with its PCS, the actions
and results aremay not be recognized for hazard determinations in housing in the United States.
3.2.14 operating mode, n—one or more settings that define the operating parameters of an XRF instrument. Some XRF
instruments have multiple settings for use under different testing situations, for example, substrates, time or testing objectives.
3.2.16 power-down, n—an event where the power to the XRF instrument is turned off. The XRF instrument can not collect and
display any XRF measurements after a power-down.
3.2.16.1 Discussion—
The XRF instrument cannot collect and display any XRF measurements after a power-down.
3.2.17 power-on, n—an event where the power to the XRF instrument from the battery is turned on. The XRF instrument can
collect and display any XRF measurements after a power-on.
3.2.17.1 Discussion—
The XRF instrument can collect and display XRF measurements after a power-on.
3.2.18 probe, n—a hand-held device containing a radioactivean excitation source, X-ray detector and associated mechanical and
electronic components that is placed against a test location or calibration test sample to obtain an XRF measurement.
57 109
3.2.19 radioactive source, n—a radioactive material (for example, Co or Cd) that emits X-rays or gamma rays rays, or both,
that cause ionization of atoms in the sample, and subsequently a cascade of higher energy electrons into the vacated lower energy
shells.
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3.2.19.1 Discussion—
As these electrons fall into the lower energy orbitals, X-rays characteristic of the atomic species, such as lead, are emitted from
the test location.
3.2.20 read time—time, n—a period of X-ray data collection time controlled manually or automatically depending on the XRF
instrument model.
3.2.20.1 Discussion—
The read time begins with the opening of the XRF instrument shutter to expose the paint film surface to source gamma rays and
X-rays, and ends when the source shutter is closed and the XRF reading is complete.
3.2.21 sampling site—site, n—a local geographical area that contains at least one unit being tested. A sampling site generally is
limited to an area that is easily covered by walking.
3.2.22 substrate, n—the building material that lies under the coating.
3.2.23 substrate bias check (SBC), n—a procedure that generates a QC measurement using a calibration test sample and a control
block to determine the effect of that substrate on the XRF measurement.
3.2.24 substrate-corrected XRF measurements—measurements, n—a procedure that corrects an XRF measurement for substrate
effects (see the HUD Guidelines for more information on substrate corrections).
3.2.25 substrate type, n—the type of building material that lies under the coating. Examples include wood, plaster, gypsum
wallboard, metal, brick, and concrete.
3.2.25.1 Discussion—
Examples include wood, plaster, gypsum wallboard, metal, brick, and concrete.
3.2.25 test location, n—an area on a building component where a lead measurement value is obtained.
3.2.26 testing period, n—a block of time that defines the continuous power-on operation of an XRF instrument. Any power-down
of an XRF instrument terminates the testing period.
3.2.26.1 Discussion—
Any power-down of an XRF instrument terminates the testing period.
3.2.27 test location, n—an area on a building component where a lead measurement value is obtained.
3.2.28 unit, n—all or a portion of a structure or facility that is the target of an investigation.
3.2.28.1 Discussion—
Test locations are considered to be within a unit. An example of a unit is a single family single-family dwelling including a
detached garage that is part of the property.
3.2.29 X-ray detector, n—a device that results in an electronic signal as a result of the interception of an X-ray. Examples include
gas proportional counters, for example, Xe, solid scintillation counters, for example, CsI, and semiconductor devices of elemental
composition, for example, Si or Ge, or compound composition, for example, HgI , CdTe, or CdZnTe.
3.2.29.1 Discussion—
Examples include gas proportional counters, for example, Xe, solid scintillation counters, for example, CsI, and semiconductor
devices of elemental composition, for example, Si or Ge, or compound composition, for example, HgI , CdTe, or CdZnTe.
3.2.30 X-ray tube, n—a device for generating X-rays that accelerates electrons to high energies to have them strike a metal target
which emits the X-rays.
3.2.31 XRF instrument, n—a field-portable XRF device or analyzer with associated equipment designed and manufactured for use
in measuring lead in paint or other coating films.
3.2.31.1 Discussion—
XRF instruments, at minimum, include an excitation source, such as a radioactive source, X-ray source or X-ray tube, X-ray
detector, probe, and a display unit.
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3.2.32 XRF measurement, n—a procedure used to determine the lead content of a coating at a test location using an XRF
2 2
instrument, or a lead result, expressed as mg of lead per cm of surface, that is, mg/cm , obtained from a coating at a test location
using an XRF instrument.
3.2.32.1 Discussion—
An XRF measurement may be one reading or the average of onetwo or more XRF readings.
2 2
3.2.33 XRF reading, n—a response, expressed as mg of lead/cm of surface, that is, mg/cm , of an XRF instrument for one read
time.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 This practice covers the quality assurance (QA), QC, and recording procedures to follow when using field-portable
energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry devices (XRFs) to collect measurements of lead in paint or lead in other coating
films for the purposes of generating lead classification results. This practice includes start-up procedures, beginning-of-day
calibration check QC procedures, during-the-test-day QC check procedures, and end-of-day QC check procedures designed to
complement standard operating procedures written by manufacturers for specific models of field-portable XRF instruments.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This practice provides procedures to generate and document QC data for ensuring that an XRF is operating within acceptable
tolerances throughout the testing period when being used to collect lead results during a lead-based paint (LBP) inspection for the
purposes of generating lead classification results.
5.2 This practice is intended to supplement XRF instrument manufacturer protocols and PCSs through the use of QA and QC
procedures to provide uniform lead testing practices among the wide variety of available field-portable XRF instruments.
NOTE 1—In the United States, The United States requires that an XRF used to perform a lead-based paint inspection shall in housing is to be utilized
according to the PCS for the particular instrument model in use.
5.3 While the QC results collected using this practice can provide assurances that an XRF instrument is operating within
acceptable tolerances, this practice does not determine an actual level of confidence for a classification result obtained from an XRF
measurement.
5.4 This practice does not address selection of test locations or representative sampling for leaded paint. Additional information
on conducting measurements of lead in leaded paint or other coatings may be found in Guide E2115 and the HUD Guidelines,
Chapter 7.
5.5 This practice involves the use of field-portable XRF instruments that may contain radioactive materials or X-ray tubes that
emit X-rays and gamma rays. or gamma rays, or both. These instruments are intended for use only by qualified, trained personnel.
5.6 The use of field-portable XRF instruments for measurement of lead may not accurately reveal low but still potentially
hazardous levels of lead.
6. Materials and Equipment
6.1 (Field-Portable) XRF Instrument—One of a variety of the commercially available field-portable XRF instruments designed for
use in measuring lead in paint and other coatings.
6.2 Calibration Check Samples—Calibration test samples that are used to verify XRF instrument calibration.
6.3 Control Blocks—A set of substrate materials for use in making QC measurements as defined in Table 1.
6.4 Substrate Support—A support material used to hold calibration check samples and control blocks away from any additional
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A
TABLE 1 Specifications for Control Blocks
Substrate Materials
Control Block Substrate Minimum Thickness of
Represented by Control
B
Material Control Block
Block
Wood, clear pine All wood and wallboard 17 mm
materials
C
Metal (316 stainless) All metal materials 6 mm
Brick All plaster, poured concrete, 50 mm
pressed concrete, and brick
materials
A
Other materials can be used to supplement this list. However, it is the
responsibility of the user to properly characterize other control block materials.
B
All control blocks are to have minimum length and width dimensions of 60 mm by
60 mm.
C
This grade of steel has been selected because it is impervious to rusting.
Although this steel is not representative of the types of painted or coated metals
commonly found in buildings and related structures, it will serve to provide a
satisfactory surrogate for quality control measurements. Carbon steel is suscep-
tible to rusting but is a more common coated building material in housing,
commercial and steel structures components. Although rust preventing in nature,
316 grade stainless steel may be more difficult to locate and is typically not coated
in “real world” applications.
underlying material in a manner that will not interfere with the lead measurements on calibration check samples. The support
material shall not itself have potentially interfering leaded paint or other material within or on it and shall be one of the following:
6.4.1 A polystyrene foam block with minimum thickness of 25 cm,
6.4.2 A table constructed from an empty cardboard box with minimum height of 25 cm, or
6.4.3 Any physical arrangement that holds the calibration check sample so that at least 25 cm of free air space or foam material
exists between the XRF instrument-sample-substrate arrangement and any nearby physical objects.
7. Procedure
NOTE 2—It is highly recommended that a room inventory or testing preplan be performed and documented either of the entire unit or of each room prior
to testing. Such is useful to assure that no test locations of interest be inadvertently omitted. See the HUD Guidelines, Chapter 7, for further information.
7.1 Conduct XRF measurements on test locations in accordance with manufacturer protocols (see Note 2). In addition, XRF
measurements shall adhere to the items presented in 7.2 – 7.4.3.
NOTE 3—Exercise care to avoid performing XRF measurements on surfaces, which surfaces may generate inaccurate results even under conditions where
all measurements are performed within the QC and QA specifications described in this practice. Surfaces that may generate inaccurate results include:
(1) Extremely rough, curved or highly ornate surfaces. In general, field-portable XRF instruments are designed to perform XRF measurements on flat
surfaces. Any surface condition that does not permit the XRF probe to come into complete contact with the surface may generate inaccurate results.
(2) Substrates that have leaded coatings on the side opposite from the surface being measured. The extent of the effect on an XRF measurement depends
on the instrument model, the substrate type and thickness, radioactive source type and intensity, and the lead content of the film on the opposite side.
An example would be a recessed portion of a thin panel door where one side contains a leaded coating while the other side does not. In this example,
measurements on the side without the leaded coating side may be biased high because of read-through from the lead in the coating on the opposite side.
(3) Surfaces that are likely to have objects that may interfere with the XRF measurement, such as pipes or electrical wires near electrical breaker panels
or load centers, lying immediately under or very near the test location.
7.2 Warm-
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