We hold a device against your wall — roughly the size of a drill, 1.5 kilograms — and after 30 seconds we know whether lead is in the paint. No sampling, no laboratory shipping, no waiting. That is pXRF: portable X-ray fluorescence analysis.
At ETH I worked with stationary XRF devices to determine the elemental composition of rock samples. The principle is the same — except the device now sits in our hand and we use it directly on site at your property.
How pXRF Works
The device emits X-rays onto the material surface. The atoms in the material are excited and emit characteristic fluorescence radiation back — each element with its own signature. The detector reads this signature and determines which elements are present and at what concentration.
The whole process takes 15–60 seconds per measurement point. Non-destructive. No sample required.
What pXRF Measures — and What It Does Not
Measurable: Lead (paint, pipes, glazes, solder joints), chromium, zinc, copper, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, calcium, iron, silicon — practically all elements heavier than magnesium.
Not measurable: Asbestos (a mineral, not an elemental question), PAH (organic compounds), PCB (organic compounds), VOC (gaseous). For these pollutants, laboratory analyses are required.
pXRF does not replace the laboratory — but it complements it perfectly. During an inspection, we can capture dozens of measurement points with pXRF and immediately decide where targeted laboratory samples are worthwhile. This saves costs and gives you an initial picture before leaving the site.
Where We Use pXRF
- Home purchase check: Rapid screening of all suspicious surfaces — lead paint on windows, door frames, radiators, windowsills. (→ Pollutant check home purchase)
- Lead suspicion in apartments with children: Within half an hour we have a complete picture of lead exposure — without opening a single wall. (→ Lead in Old Buildings)
- Before renovation work: Which paint layers contain heavy metals? Where must work be carried out with special protective measures?
- Listed buildings: Elemental analysis of historic coatings and materials, non-destructive.
Limitations of the Method
pXRF measures the top few millimetres of the surface. If lead paint lies under three layers of emulsion, the device measures all layers together — the lead value is present, but assigning it to the relevant layer requires experience.
Uneven, wet, or very rough surfaces can affect measurement accuracy. And: the device works with X-radiation — we are trained and licensed for safe operation.
What It Costs
pXRF screening is included in the site inspection flat rate from €290. You pay no surcharge for the on-site instant results.
When You Should Get in Touch
You want to know whether lead is in your apartment? You are buying an old building and want an initial picture on site? You are planning a renovation and need a heavy metal screening?
15-minute initial consultation, free of charge.