A Representative Sampling and Alternative Analytical Toxic Characteristic Leachate Procedure Method for Construction, Demolition, and Lead Paint Abatement Debris Suspected of Containing Leachable Lead

Abstract

This article demonstrates that the Environmental Protection Agency's toxic characteristic leachate procedure (TCLP) Method 1311 is not scientifically valid when applied to construction, demolition, and lead paint abatement waste materials. The method, as it is commonly utilized, involves collecting drilling or core samples of debris. The result of TCLP extraction of these samples is influenced more by the density of the substrate than by the extractable lead content. An alternative technique that utilizes a microchipper in combination with an ultra-low particulate air-filtered vacuum dust collection system is recommended to collect a representative sample of surface films, anticorrosive coatings, and polymeric coatings suspected of containing leachable lead. The alternative procedure minimizes the volume of leachate and shortens the duration of extraction by employing a temperature-controlled water bath with a speed-controlled microstirring system. Olcerst, R.: A Representative Sampling and Alternative Analytical Toxic Characteristic Leachate Procedure Method for Construction, Demolition, and Lead Paint Abatement Debris Suspected of Containing Leachable Lead. Appl. Occup. Environ. Hyg. 11(1):30–36; 1996.