Abstract
BACKGROUND: Up until 1960s, lead was widely used for constructing plumbing systems, and a residual amount of lead is still detected within water systems today. Due to the wide availability, low-cost, and ability to produce an instant result, commercial lead test kits have been known for their convenience. However, considering that small lead exposures can pose serious health concerns to those who are vulnerable, inaccurate results may cause a potential health hazard. This study investigated the accuracy of a commercial lead test kit called "10-in-1 Drinking Water Test Kit" by Baldwin Meadows and compare its findings to instrumental analysis. METHODS: Concentration of standard lead solutions with known concentrations of blank, 10 ppb, and 30 ppb were measured using ICP-MS and Baldwin Meadows lead test kit. Then, statistical analysis was used to determine if there was a significant difference between the two analytical methods. In addition, the obtained data was compared to Health Canada's and U.S. EPA's maximum allowable concentration (MAC) for lead to determine if the two methods are capable of detecting safe level of lead in drinking water. RESULTS: The concentration of lead measured with ICP-MS was slightly greater than the target values with 8.69% error. The colorimetric analysis from Baldwin Meadows lead test kit did not show any color change at 10 ppb and measured a mean value of approximately1 ppb at the 30 ppb level resulting in 96.72% error. The statistical analysis indicated that there is a significant difference between the lead concentration measured with Baldwin test kit and ICP-MS. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that Baldwin Meadows commercial lead test kit failed to detect lead greater than both Canada's and U.S. EPA's MAC. Therefore, it is concluded that it is not capable of measuring the safe level of lead in drinking water. Although this study does not represent all commercial DIY lead test kits available on the market, it implies that lead test kits may present false negative results and cause accidental consumption of lead contaminated water.