XRF Applications Blog

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

XRF Application: Heavy Metals in Packaging

Despite the recent attention on testing for lead and other hazardous materials in consumer products, little has been discussed regarding heavy metals in packaging.  This XRF application topic, however, is growing in awareness through state laws developed to prevent heavy metals found in packaging materials from eventually ending up in our environment.

I recently discovered the web-site of The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH).  Part of the site includes a report in which they used X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) to test a wide range of retail packaging including aluminum, glass, paper, plastics, etc.  According to the report, sixteen percent of the tested packaging failed the screening for heavy metals and would likely be in violation of state laws.  Most failure was related to traces of lead and cadmium in imported flexible polyvinylchloride (PVC) packages and inks/colorants used on plastic bags.

Based on its assessment, "TPCH and its member states support the use of XRF technology to screen packages and packaging materials for compliance with state requirements."

While the tests that the TPCH performed were conducted using portable XRF technology; it also showed that a bench-top model would provide roughly the same results.  The exact testing needs of an organization, however, would determine the best XRF Instrument to utilize for in-house testing as both styles of XRF Instruments offer advantages.

The bench-top Seiko 1000A XRF Instrument, for example, is able to measure consistently in the 20ppm range with spectral analysis available to help disregard false positives.  Using spectral analysis, as well as quantitative results, a more accurate description of the product composition can be determined.  Additional benefits of bench-top XRF relate to correction functions, reporting systems, detection limits, flexibility in measurement methods, etc.

As previously noted, awareness is growing through individual states development of Toxics in Packaging Laws.  In 1989 a model for legislation of this type was developed and since then nineteen states have adopted similar legislation; including (but not limited to) California, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island (members of the TPCH).

- JGH
*** we'd like to thank the TPCH for allowing us to reference their study in this blog; information on the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse and its report along with information on state legislation of heavy metals in packaging can be found at the web-site www.toxicsinpackaging.org ***

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