My XRF testing experiences

[#1]

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.

[AnnieHowes]

Is it dangerous to handle it or do you have to eat it?

[Former_Member]

AnnieHowes says:
Is it dangerous to handle it or do you have to eat it--------

The danger is from ingesting or inhaling it.

[Former_Member]

Hipmelon the buttons were plastic. I got them in a variety pack of vintage buttons and they were the only ones that had a spike in the readings. I tested a bunch of other pearlized ones - like on mens dress shirts - and they were all fine. But in the future I will not be buying any of that color again, just to be safe.

Naughty I don't have anything painted that I sell - sorry!

[Former_Member]

Just bumping this for the weekday crowd. :)

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Thank you!

[Former_Member]

Had to do a double take when I read the title - I use an XRF at work :) Never thought I'd see mention of it in the Etsy forums! lol

I personally wouldn't recommend anyone even think of buying one.

For one they are quite costly (we're talking thousands.)

Two they use radioactive materials to scan your materials, so in essence the XRF 'guns' theirselves are radioactive (it is of course housed within it in a safe manner so during normal use you're not exposed, but there is always the potential something could happen to the machine - not worth the potential hazard).

Third, they at least *should* require training for use (properly understanding the machine, how it works, how to understand the readings, and what to do in case something goes wrong) - again not something I'd ever recommend.

As far as the dangers of certain elements, it all really depends on what it is, what form its in (airborne, solid material, in another material like soil, water, etc) The biggest concern is really ingestion for most elements and radionuclides. Should be easily found doing an internet search if there's a particular element or material (eg soil) you're interested in.

[Former_Member]

OOOH! Thanks for posting that Allthenumbers! I know you have a couple of recycled shirt dresses too, and I wondered how those would fare. Well, actually I KNEW they were fine, but it's nice to have the confirmation. Great work!

[Former_Member]

I know we are on the same market lillipop! you skits are super cute! Of course thw srirts were fine - buttons and all, even though they were pearlized. Everything was below 10ppm.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the info.

[Former_Member]

No problem! :)

[Former_Member]

Thanks allthenumbers that is great information.

[Former_Member]

Interesting, Thanks!

[chatnoirstudios]

too bad you didn't have plush like some of us use for stuffed toys or different types of yarn to test. I've been curious about them.

[Former_Member]

The quote I got on a XRF gun rental was as follows:
Monthly Rental - $4,900.00
Weekly Rental - $1,900.00
Daily Rental Daily (2-day minimum) - $575.00

Totally cost prohibitive for me as an individual. Combine that with my lack of training with one and small children in the house and it is just not a good idea for me. If I could find somewhere local to do it, I would.

[Former_Member]

chatnoir I did test my amigarumis - there aren't any in my shop right now but I have one almost complete so i brought it along. It has acrylic yarn (homespun - the brand) and wool from lion brand, polyfill, and safety eyes. Everything was < 10ppm. HTH!

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much for the info!

[Former_Member]

but doesn't the law require that a third party test the items?

[Former_Member]

From Feb until August the law requires a "reasonable testing program" and allows for XRF testing. After August, the 3rd party testing by an accredited lab is mandatory.

[chatnoirstudios]

Thank you allthenumbers that makes me feel better.

[Former_Member]

That is fabulous news - you must be very relieved!

Did you get some kind of certificate? I'm wondering how it works after your item has been tested. The government's gonna want some kind of proof, right? Or at least having some kind of official documentation would put your mind even more at ease that you have done what you need to "comply".

[Former_Member]

allthenumbers
allthenumbers says:
chatnoir I did test my amigarumis - there aren't any in my shop right now but I have one almost complete so i brought it along. It has acrylic yarn (homespun - the brand) and wool from lion brand, polyfill, and safety eyes. Everything was < 10ppm. HTH!
-------
That's great! I use acrylic yarns myself, many of my items are made with Lion Brand Homespun. There is hope!

[kinchi]

Wow! Does this gun thing test for lead or some kind of radiation?

[Former_Member]

As I understand it, it uses Xrays to test for lead.

[Former_Member]

Allthenumbers....excellent idea about sending that information in. Thanks for the info :)

[kinchi]

Oh, thanks Ruth!
Allthenumbers, did you happen to test any vintage fabric too?