Lead (Pb)

CAS Number: 7439-92-1
Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal with no known biological function in the human body. Occupational lead exposure occurs in industries including battery manufacturing and recycling, smelting, painting and abrasive blasting on lead-painted surfaces, construction, and firing ranges. Lead is absorbed primarily through inhalation of dust and fumes, and accumulates in bone, blood, and soft tissue. Chronic exposure causes neurological damage, kidney disease, reproductive harm, and elevated blood pressure. Children are especially vulnerable. OSHA has a comprehensive lead standard (29 CFR 1910.1025) requiring air monitoring, biological monitoring (blood lead levels), engineering controls, and medical surveillance.

Lead exposure is a common risk during renovation, demolition, and industrial work that disturbs lead-based paint, solder, or other lead-containing materials. Rent lead testing and monitoring equipment from RAECO Rents to support lead paint screening and hazard evaluations before work begins and during cleanup. This collection includes XRF analyzers used to identify lead in painted surfaces and other materials, using HUD-recognized lead paint testing protocols.

Regulatory Exposure Limits

Updated on March 09, 2026

OSHA PEL
TWA: 0.05 mg/m³ [0.03 mg/m³ Action Level] [29 CFR 1910.1025]
STEL: N/A
C: N/A
NIOSH REL
TWA: 0.050 mg/m³ (as Pb)
STEL: N/A
C: N/A
ACGIH TLV
TWA: 0.05 mg/m³ (Lead and inorganic compounds, as Pb) [1991]
STEL: N/A
C: N/A
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about
When do I need XRF lead screening before renovation or demolition work?
XRF lead screening is needed before disturbing painted surfaces in pre-1978 buildings (residential, schools, childcare) under EPA RRP rules, and is strongly recommended before any renovation or demolition where leaded paint may be present to determine if OSHA lead construction standard requirements apply. XRF gives non-destructive, in-situ results across many surfaces quickly—much faster than paint chip sampling for large surveys.
Can XRF results tell me what workers are breathing?
No. XRF measures lead (or other elements) in solid materials—paint, soil, dust wipes, bulk materials. It does not measure airborne concentration or worker inhalation exposure. To assess what workers are breathing, you need personal air sampling with appropriate media and lab analysis. XRF screening tells you whether a hazardous material is present and its loading; air sampling tells you what's becoming airborne and being inhaled.
Why do lead air samples get questioned later?
Common reasons include: pump flow rate not verified before and after sampling, incorrect filter media or cassette configuration, samples over- or under-loaded (too much or too little air volume), field blanks not submitted, improper sample storage or shipping (degradation or contamination), chain of custody errors, and sampling on a non-representative shift. For OSHA compliance, only NIOSH 7082 or 7105 methods are acceptable—confirm method requirements with your lab before sampling.
Do I need XRF lead screening or lead air sampling?
XRF lead screening tells you whether lead-based paint or lead-containing materials are present in a surface or substrate—it's used before disturbance activities to determine if lead hazard controls are needed. Lead air sampling tells you how much airborne lead workers are actually breathing during the work. Use XRF for pre-work hazard assessment and regulatory surveys; use air sampling for worker exposure assessment and OSHA compliance during work that disturbs lead-containing materials. The two are complementary, not interchangeable.
When is personal lead air sampling more important than area sampling?
Personal sampling is most important when you're documenting worker exposure by role and task. Area sampling helps map a zone or check containment but doesn't equal a worker exposure result.
What should I know before renting lead testing or sampling equipment?
Confirm whether you need lead identification (XRF) or exposure documentation (air sampling), what tasks and materials are involved, and what reporting and compliance requirements apply. Those answers drive the instrument choice, sampling method, and accessories.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 products
X-550 by SciAps - XRF Analyzer: Lead Paint
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)

X-550 by SciAps - XRF Analyzer: Lead Paint

$630.00 Starting at /per day
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X-550 by SciAps - XRF Analyzer: Lead Paint, RCRA, & Alloys
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)

X-550 by SciAps - XRF Analyzer: Lead Paint, RCRA, & Alloys

$760.00 Starting at /per day
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X-550 by SciAps - XRF Analyzer: Lead Paint & RCRA/Soils
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)

X-550 by SciAps - XRF Analyzer: Lead Paint & RCRA/Soils

$760.00 Starting at /per day
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