FSSA purchased 30 NITON x-ray fluorescent devices that can quickly, accurately and easily determine whether paint contains lead and measure the amount of lead dust on a surface. These units cost $18,000 each — 30% below normal prices thanks to the power of quantity purchasing. Other agencies in Indiana are eligible to buy units at this price.

Each local community action agency that has an IDEM-licensed risk assessor on staff will receive these units on loan. With the XRFs, the agencies can design their weatherization work to avoid disturbing lead-based paint. They can avoid costly delays in processing lead-dust wipe samples. Finally, they can more quickly gear up to handle the “Windows of Opportunity” project.