What is the CPSIA?

Lead testing for CPSIA can be done in different ways, depending on what kind of material is being tested and how much lead is in it.  CPSC is still in the process of defining how tests are to be done on various types of materials, so you will want to check the latest information on their website to see if a procedure has been determined for your material.

There are two basic methods for lead testing, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing and digestive or “wet chemistry” testing.  Home lead test kits are not accurate enough for determining CPSIA compliance.

XRF testing uses a handheld analyzer machine that looks like a ray gun.  It is touched to the item to be tested.  The analyzer shoots a small amount of X-rays at the item and analyzes the way they bounce back to determine the lead content.  (This is the kind of testing done by professionals to determine if a house has lead-based paint.)  It is the least expensive form of lead testing and does not damage the item.  However, it has difficulty reading properly on certain textures, and it cannot detect lead that is hidden under the surface.  While XRF tests typically are more affordable at $5-$20 each, an XRF analzyer costs a lot of money; they start at about $20,000.

Digestive testing basically involves dissolving the item to be tested in acid, then testing the resulting goo for lead.  This destroys the item being tested, but can find lead that is hidden beneath the surface.  It is also a more expensive test that can only be done in a laboratory.  Cost estimates from various laboratories run from $50-$250 per test.

A separate test has to be run on each component of the product.  For example, a pair of pants made of fabric, thread, a button, a zipper, rivets, and a label must have tests done on all six of these components.  A wooden toy elephant painted with five colors must have testing done on each color of the paint (natural wood is exempt from testing).

In some cases, XRF testing can be used as a screening tool to determine whether an item needs digestive testing.  If the XRF test shows the lead level is very low, digestive testing is not necessary.  If the XRF test shows the lead level is close enough to the acceptable level, a digestive test will show whether it is above or below the level.

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