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Through a simple color change, a handwipe technology developed by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) quickly and easily detects the presence of lead (Pb) contamination on skin and on hard surfaces in industries where lead is produced or used to a limit of identification of 15 micrograms per sample. The method was designed following a NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation in a Pb acid battery plant that revealed high concentrations of lead on workers' hands after washing and also on a variety of surfaces throughout the plant cafeteria. The Handwipe Disclosing Method for the Presence of Lead is patented and commercially available under the brand name Full Disclosure. While the method provides instant in-the-field results, the samples can also be analyzed using numerous NIOSH laboratory analytical methods. Recognition of lead exposure risks is a critical first step in preventing workplace exposures, as well as limiting take-home toxics that can result in ingesting of lead during eating, drinking, or smoking. Through this novel technology, lead exposure can be reduced for more than 10,000 workers and 900,000 children in the United States. Full Disclosure was licensed in 2003 and is commercially available from SKC, Inc.(www.skcinc.com/prod/550-001.asp)

A followup invention to Full Disclosure (also invented at NIOSH) is the Handwipe Removal Method for Toxic Metals. Hands Off! (proposed brand name) has been evaluated by NIOSH to effectively remove Pb and other toxic metals from the skin. NIOSH field studies have shown that soap and water are not completely effective at removing toxic metal contamination from skin. The Handwipe Removal Method for Toxic Metals involves a system of skin decontamination that is skin-safe yet extremely effective at removing toxic elements such as Pb, nickel, cadmium and arsenic. This technology is patent-pending and currently available for commercial licensing.

Contact: Eric Esswein, eesswein@cdc.gov; (303) 236-5946.