We love getting your questions! Here are a couple of questions Grandma Lead has recently answered.
Q) I have some jewellery that I worry may contain lead as it is very old. I would love to get it tested, however there are over 30 pieces I’d need tested. I was wondering if you do XRF testing and if not, can you recommend anywhere that does?
A) As far as I’m aware, there are only three options for XRF testing in Australia. If you were to become a LEAD Group member ($10 per annum at https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-member) you could get a discount on screening, by XRF testing of heavy metals, Portable XRF Services in Perth www.pxrfs.com.au (ph 08 9321 2830).
Clients have told me about the other two options but can’t recommend them as I haven’t used their services. Laboratory for Materials Analysis & Testing Services Pty Ltd (Melbourne VIC) www.lmats.com.au, phone 03 9399 9199. Healthy Homes and Gardens (Bicton WA) www.HealthyHomesandGardens.com.au, phone (08) 9321 2830.
Q) Hello, does Lead Safe World send either emailed or posted lead testing kits outside of Australia? I am located in the United States and am looking for an at-home lead testing kit to test my chickens’ eggs to make sure they are safe to consume.
A) Thanks for your question. Sadly due to insurance restrictions we can’t sell any LEAD Group Kits to USA or Canada but due to import customs restrictions you also can’t post eggs to our lab in Australia (see the info from our site pasted in below).
You’ll need to find a lab in the US to test your backyard eggs for lead and I’ll send you my Info Pack on Poultry and Lead which will hopefully inspire you to also find a lab that tests chicken-run soil; any paint on the coop; if the water bowl is galvanised – drinking water (collect it at the end of a day in the bowl in the sun); and even commercial chicken feed – in case US regulations on lead in stockfeeds is as lax as Australia’s.
All the best and please let me know how you go.
Find out more: https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-outsideAus