CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

Which lab analysis method is used to detect lead in paint chips?

1. FTIR - Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry

2. AAS - Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

3. GC-MS - Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

4. HPLC - High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

The correct answer is: AAS - Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

The method utilized for detecting lead in paint chips is Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). AAS is specifically designed to analyze the concentration of metals in various materials, including solid samples like paint. This technique works by vaporizing the sample and then analyzing the absorption of specific wavelengths of light by the lead atoms present. The amount of light absorbed is directly proportional to the concentration of lead in the sample, allowing for accurate quantification. In contrast, the other methods listed are not typically employed for lead detection in paint. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) is primarily used for identifying organic compounds and functional groups based on molecular vibrations, making it less suitable for detecting heavy metals like lead. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is excellent for separating and analyzing volatile and semi-volatile compounds but is not ideal for metallic elements. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is similarly oriented towards separating and quantifying organic compounds, not metals. Therefore, AAS stands out as the most appropriate choice for analyzing lead levels in paint chips.