My XRF testing experiences

[Former_Member]

So I tested all my products yesterday with an XRF gun. Everything came back super duper low except these vintage pearlized buttons I had a few pairs of - they failed miserably. DH made me put on gloves to remove them - not sure of that was necessary but I like to keep him happy.

All the fabric, all the trims, all the yarn, and all the eyes and buttons (except the aformentioned pair) had readings on 10 or less ppm.

I will be sending my results in to the CSPC request for comments on componant testing - from my results there is no need to test ANY fabric. I hope anyone else that has results will send them as well, as if they see the low numbers for these suppplies we all use maybe they will be more apt to look at the feasibility of componant testing.

[Former_Member]

where did you get the XRF gun??

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much for the info! I was wondering about this....testing with the gun thing.

[Former_Member]

Very interesting.

One thing that I've wondered: OK, the limit is 600 ppm, but what's the actual level that's dangerous? I suspect the 600 ppm is far less than a level that's actually dangerous.

[Former_Member]

I tried to search one day, but I was just getting info on blood levels.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the info!
Just curious, what did the buttons test at?

[HypnoTransformations]

wow, very interesting!!

[weirdbuglady]

Thanks for letting us know about your results! I'd love to play around with one of those to see how my supplies turn up, where did you get it?

[CircuitBreakerLabs]

I don't know if this helps any but I worked in a lab (for a printer company) and did XRF testing. We had to wear dosimeter badges to make sure that we weren't getting any radiation. Gloves will only block alpha radiation. (there are 2 other types.) Alpha is harmful upon entering the body, whereas the other two are harmful on the skin, but not in the body. Everything gives off radiation naturally, due to the occurence of unstable atoms. Limits that you should be worried about are radiation exposures over 5000 mram a year (not sure how that equates to ppm) look here if this helps: http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/radmanual/radman_sec_6.htm

[CircuitBreakerLabs]

Sorry, that should be 5000 mrem.

[Former_Member]

What is an XRF gun and where do you get it, and cost?

[wigglysee]

marking

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

beadworkbyamanda says:
I don't know if this helps any but I worked in a lab (for a printer company) and did XRF testing. We had to wear dosimeter badges to make sure that we weren't getting any radiation. Gloves will only block alpha radiation. (there are 2 other types.) Alpha is harmful upon entering the body, whereas the other two are harmful on the skin, but not in the body. Everything gives off radiation naturally, due to the occurence of unstable atoms. Limits that you should be worried about are radiation exposures over 5000 mram a year (not sure how that equates to ppm) look here if this helps: http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/radmanual/radman_sec_6.htm
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How ironic. I was thinking earlier....a bunch of people will probably be suffering ill effects from XRF guns years from now. All over testing organic baby blankets and things.

[Former_Member]

I used a gun that was rented by a small children's wooden toy company about an hour away from my house - they paid for it for a week and were trying to get their money back but letting others that needed it use it as well. Very generous, I thought!

To rent it yourself, I have seen $1000/week? Maybe less for a few days - not really sure. That's why I think it makes sense to go in on it with a bunch of people - maybe local teams?

The pearlized buttons tested at like 1600 ppm, or something like that. Everything else was < 10ppm.

[Former_Member]

just bumping for people :)

[HeatherJonesStudio]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[Former_Member]

No problem! :)

[Former_Member]

Thanks, allthenumbers! Did you only test cotton fabrics, or did your test include trims and threads, or any polyester, by chance?

[Former_Member]

I did all trims - ricrac and satin blanket binding. All were fine.

[Former_Member]

Oh - my thread is cotton and polyester - and that was fine too.

[Former_Member]

What a relief! I was starting to wonder if I needed to wear a hazmat suit to sew (LOL).

[Former_Member]

Thanks for letting us know this.

Were the pearlized buttons plastic ones? Just so I know what to avoid.

I'm not even sure where on earth one could get an XRF gun anywhere near where I live (northern Canada) so it is nice to hear the results of what others are finding.

[Former_Member]

That's cool! Do you happen to have an acrylic craft paints you could test, lol?!

[LittleElephantCo]

Thank you for the info and testing!