K2a: A Critical Look at FLAA and Regulatory Shifts
Presented During: K2: Research Roundup Exposure Assessment/Laboratory Quality Assurance
Wed, 6/3: 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM CDT
Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center
Description
On November 12th, 2024, the EPA published new lead dust clearance levels (DLCL) for HUD housing. This lowered the DLCL from 10 µg/ft2, 100 µg/ft2 and 400 µg/ft2 for floors, window sills, and window troughs to 5 µg/ft2, 40 µg/ft2, and 100 µg/ft2. The EPA also made two important changes to the LQSR (Laboratory Quality Assurance Requirements) which NLLAP accredited labs must follow to maintain endorsement. By December 22nd, 2025, labs must maintain a reporting limit that is 1.6-10 times the determined mdl (method detection limit). Labs are also required to reach a reporting limit no more than 80% of the lowest regulatory standards for DLAL's.
Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FLAA) has been around commercially since the early 1960's and is the gold standard for lead dust wipe analysis. FLAA instrumentation is inexpensive, fast, robust, and reliable, that can produce accurate results for single elemental analysis. While Flame Atomic Absorption (FLAA) spectroscopy offers several advantages for lead dust wipe analysis it is not without its methodological and operational limitations. With EPA regulatory updates establishing that any quantifiable concentration of lead is considered hazardous, we are reaching the limitations of what FLAA can achieve.
Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FLAA) has been around commercially since the early 1960's and is the gold standard for lead dust wipe analysis. FLAA instrumentation is inexpensive, fast, robust, and reliable, that can produce accurate results for single elemental analysis. While Flame Atomic Absorption (FLAA) spectroscopy offers several advantages for lead dust wipe analysis it is not without its methodological and operational limitations. With EPA regulatory updates establishing that any quantifiable concentration of lead is considered hazardous, we are reaching the limitations of what FLAA can achieve.
Co-Authors
none
Acknowledgements & References
none
Keywords
Asbestos, lead, and dust
Education and training
Regulatory compliance
Risk assessment and management
Testing, certification, and credentialing