What is Tri-Tech's Lead-Plus Service?
Tri-Tech is the only firm in Michigan to offer the the Lead-Plus home-testing option. The Lead-Plus testing option is derived from the fact that the testing equipment used to check for lead in paint can also be used to test for lead in:
- children's toys or furniture
- brass or other plumbing components
- glazed porcelain bathtubs
- glazed china and other dishware
- stained glass lampshades, window glass and metal window caming
- corkboards (cork trees bioaccumulate lead if grown in contaminated areas)
- antique jewelry
- painted/varnished furniture
- surface soil, including orchards (lead arsenate was commonly used as a pesticide in apple, peach and cherry orchards from the late 1800s until the 1950s when it begun to be phased out until banned in 1988).
Conveniently, additional contaminants of possible concern can also be detected by the instrument. Items that can be tested include:
- Arsenic-based wood preservative, banned in 2004 (decks, play structures, picnic tables, garden border ties etc.)
- Arsenic contamination of soil around chicken coops (some feeds may contain an arsenic additive)
- Brominated fire retardants (children’s furniture, pajamas etc.)
- Toxic cadmium yellow paint used on parking bumpers, fire hydrants etc.
Finally, on a lighter note, Tri-Tech is able to test the following for unofficial and informational purposes:
- Metallic jewelry, coins or similar items can be tested for gold, silver or nickel content.
- Zirconium gemstones can be differentiated from diamonds.
XRF testing is a quick and cost effective way to screen a metal detector's collection for precious metals!
orchard pesticides often used
arsenic and lead
arsenic contamination is often found in areas where poultry were raised
Got a sample you would like tested? See our Heavy Metals testing page.