Handwipe Disclosing Method for Detecting the Presence of Lead
Lead (Pb) exposure can cause serious health concerns including abdominal pain, headaches, loss of appetite, memory loss, weakness, and other symptoms. Lead residues on human skin, especially on the hands of workers can be a significant health risk since such residues may be ingested during normal activities (e.g. eating, drinking, and smoking). A key component to reducing lead exposure is being able to identify areas of lead contamination.
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers developed a method to detect lead on surfaces, including skin, using a handwipe system and a chemical test to effect a color change if lead is present. A handwipe is used to collect any lead contamination on the surface. Then the lead is solubilized with an aqueous acid solution and treated with rhodizonate or sulfide anions. When lead is detected, the color changes from pink to red (when rhodizonate anions are used) or from brown to black (where sulfide anions are used).
This invention can be used to test surfaces including human skin, floors, walls, windowsills, etc. It can be used to inform employers and workers on potential lead contamination, as well as evaluate lead removal efforts. This technology can also be used in conjunction with another CDC NIOSH invention involving wipes and methods for removal of lead. Combined, these two technologies can “close the loop” by both detecting and decontaminating skin and other surfaces contaminated with lead.
Potential Commercial Applications: | Competitive Advantages: |
|
|
Related Invention(s):
E-221-2013-0
Inventors:
Eric Esswein (CDC) ➽ more inventions...
Mark Boeniger (CDC) ➽ more inventions...
Kevin Ashley (CDC) ➽ more inventions...
Intellectual Property:
U.S. Pat: 6,248,593 issued 2001-06-19
PCT Application No. PCT/US98/011776
US Application No. 09/458,152
Publications:
Ashley K. (2010) Field-Portable Methods for Monitoring Occupational Exposures to Metals. Journal of Chemical Health and Safety, 17(3), 22-28. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871553209000796
Ashley K, et al. (2011). Evaluation of a handwipe disclosing method for lead. Journal of ATSM International, 8(4). https://www.astm.org/DIGITAL_LIBRARY/JOURNALS/JAI/PAGES/JAI103390.htm
Esswein E., & Boeniger M. (2005). Preventing the Toxic Hand-Off. Occupational Hazards, 67(9). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311667267
Esswein, EJ et al. Handwipe method for removing lead from skin. Journal of ATSM International, 8(5). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/239522749_Handwipe_method_for_removing_lead_from_skin
NIOSH. (2015). Combatting the Dangers of Heavy Metal Contamination: the CDC Can Lead the Way! https://www.cdc.gov/od/science/technology/techtransfer/successstories/leadwipes.htm
NIOSH. (2018). Workplace Safety and Health Topics: Lead. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/lead/default.html
NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM), Fourth Edition. Method 9105, Issue 1 - Lead in Dust Wipes by Chemical Spot Test Method (Colorimetric Screening Method), 15 March 2003. U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Cincinnati, OH. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-154/pdfs/9105.pdf
Collaboration Opportunity:
The CDC Technology Transfer Office (TTO) is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborating to further commercialize the Handwipe Disclosing Method for Detecting the Presence of Lead. For collaboration opportunities, please contact CDC TTO at tto@cdc.gov or 1-404-639-1330.
Licensing Contact:
Karen Surabian, J.D., M.B.A.
Email: karen.surabian@nih.gov
Phone: 301-594-9719
OTT Reference No: E-336-2013-0
Updated: Feb 13, 2020