Lead In Old Buildings And XRF’s Answer To The Health Risks
Decades after lead was restricted for being poisonous, it still hides in thousands of old buildings. Until recently, testing for lead meant expensive lab work and long delays. But the newest pXRF, handheld scanners that instantly detect lead, are changing that.
Spectrometry’s Role In Managing Hazardous Construction Waste
Spectrometry brings precision to the messy world of demolition. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanners can reveal bromine, chromium, nickel, and other hazardous elements in seconds. XRF provides elemental — not molecular — data, meaning bromine presence flags potential risk but must be followed by lab confirmation to distinguish harmless from restricted compounds. WDXRF tests have revealed high concentrations of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in C&D samples, highlighting the variability and hidden hazards of seemingly identical materials. Spectrometry can enhance traditional laboratory analyses and has the power to transform rubble into quantified resources. Harnessing materials from buildings no longer in use is a key step to unlocking the potential of the circular economy.
Spectrometry’s Solution to E-waste Management
Rising e-waste demands systems that reduce health risks from hazardous substances while recovering valuable raw materials for reuse. Research shows that workers and nearby communities face elevated exposure to toxic and rare metals during recycling, underscoring the urgency of advanced detection methods. Technologies such as X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy enhance the identification of hazardous components and improve material recovery, strengthening recycling efficiency and supporting the circular economy.