FAQ

We have consulted with experts on chemical safety, and the reagent is safe to use with suitable precautions. The main component is alcohol and therefore it is flammable and can irritate the skin. Using similar safety precautions as with for example bathroom cleaning agents etc is advised (well-vented area, for safety wear glasses, do not look into flashlight, do not spray towards or onto people, do not spray towards warm objects, electricity cables, etc.).

Although the spray is safe, the kit should be kept out of reach of children, it should be avoided that children inhale the spray and of course, it should not be sprayed on items that the child will touch and put in its mouth. Also, the UV can harm the eyes when looking into the light directly.

Besides extensive consultation with safety experts, we have also used the test extensively ourselves in and around our houses for more than 3 years. NGOs also have already used our test in many locations around the world.

Each pump of the spray releases only 0.1 ml of reagent. If many tests are performed it is advisable to wear gloves as it can be irritating to the skin and to open the window because it will smell like alcohol. Make sure that the spray is pointed in the right direction.

The test doubles also as a coloring test. High concentrations of lead turn yellow. Therefore, one should test in an inconspicuous place first. It also might stain sensitive surfaces like varnish due to its alcohol content. It is also mildly corrosive; therefore, when testing metals, it should be wiped off or rinsed with water afterwards to avoid rust formation or staining.

The reagent is water soluble and can be wiped off. However, if lead is detected a discoloration can appear and the reagent may harm sensitive surfaces. Thus, should be tested in inconspicuous places first.

The reagent can be washed off with water. If the toy can be properly washed off before returning it to the child, then it is safe.

Yes--our MSDS is available upon request. As the active compounds are only present in very low concentrations, it has the same safety profile as isopropyl alcohol which is the main ingredient also in hand sanitizers.

Our lead test kit was developed to only detect lead. However, if the lead is inaccessible, the test will be negative. Our test is a screening test. It is not intended to replace X-ray fluorescence.

Ppm is measured on a volume, our technique is mainly sensitive on the surface, making converting between the photoluminescent signal and ppm not straightforward. A study showed that the sensitivity for lead in paint is approximately 500 ppm.

You will generally get instant results, but when lead is encapsulated (like in plastics for example), it can take longer. If in doubt, check after a few minutes and after an hour again.

This depends on the substance. For some objects, the photoluminescence will become weaker after a few minutes, but many paint sources remain glowing for days or longer. Water can break down the light-emitting material, thereby stopping the photoluminescence; however, if the light-emitting material is encapsulated, it can remain intact.

If you carefully keep the cap close, you can keep your reagent for 2 years and more. However, if you don’t close the cap properly, you can keep it for nearly 6 months.

Unless the reagent has turned amber, it will still be effective. Also, make sure to check your flashlight: if it looks bright when shining on white paper, it is working. Otherwise, change the battery.

In order to extend the reagent shelf life, we recommend storing the kit in a dark cool place.

The test works only for lead, this means that it does not light up with other heavy metals.

With the Lumetallix lead test kit, you can test paint, ceramics, glass, plastics, metals, and wooden structures. You can test your everyday items such as plates or toys.

With the Lumetallix lead test kit, you can test paint, ceramics, glass, plastics, metals, and wooden structures. You can test your everyday items such as plates or toys.

Yes, but beware of discoloration. Wipe your antique items carefully after testing.

Yes, but we advise washing the fabric after testing to avoid stains and skin irritation.

Even though our test worked on some cosmetics under specific conditions, we do not recommend testing cosmetics. Our team is still studying the reaction of our test.

For the time being, it is not possible to use the Lumetallix lead detection kit with water or wet items. Our team is currently working on implementing its technology for water tests.

The kit is not designed for soil, but it is still possible to detect lead in soil under specific conditions. It has been shown to detect lead in soil in a field trial in India with Pure Earth.

For the time being, it is not possible to use the Lumetallix lead detection kit with water or wet items. Our team is currently working on implementing its technology for water tests.

The current version of the test is not suitable to test spices such as turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin, which by itself shows green fluorescence. Also, many foods contain either molecules that light up under the LeadLight or contain water which makes them unsuitable to be tested. Also, don’t forget that the reagent should not be swallowed.

Yes, but it often works best when the surface is a little scratched, it can help to use a sharp object and scratch a little “X” on the backside of the plate.

If it is an item, discard it. If it’s lead paint which is part of a building or soil, check the guidelines of your department of public health. EPA has a good guideline: https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-safe-renovations-diyers

The volume of the test kit is designed such that it is compliant with aviation standards. Alike hand sanitizer which is flammable, it depends on the staff whether they will allow it in cabin luggage.

For the time being, we only sell the test kit. If you require the reagent only, please contact us via email.

The empty bottles can be disposed of in the recycling bin.

We take lead detection seriously and guarantee the quality of our kit. If there are any issues, please reach out to us and we will find a solution that suits you.