Real-Time Measurement of Lead in Ambient Air During Bridge Paint Removal

Air quality monitoring involving traditional high-volume air sampling for particulate and lead in association with removal of lead-based paint by abrasive blasting from bridges has consistently been associated with high cost and significant lag time between the time of sample collection and the availability of useful results to project personnel. On the basis of the results of two analytical studies conducted in association with air quality monitoring performed on New York State Department of Transportation bridge painting projects involving abrasive blasting, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology can provide useful lead concentration results on a realtime basis. Feasibility and field studies conducted comparing results of traditional laboratory filter analysis for lead and filter measurement by XRF indicate reliable and practical application of this technology for evaluating the effectiveness of abrasive blasting containment.