Overview
This UNLV Master of Public Health thesis tested whether a handheld XRF analyzer can screen candy for lead, using a candy matrix spiked with known lead amounts and comparing XRF readings with graphite-furnace AAS. It is a method study: it reports no lead concentrations in ordinary market candy.
Key numbers
- XRF method detection limits 5.45 ppm (bulk sample mode) and 7.05 ppm (plastics mode), from 45 fortified samples (Abstract; Table 3).
- XRF results differed significantly from GFAAS; regression equations relate the two (Tables 4 to 6).
Methods (brief)
Candies were homogenized in heated water to make a matrix, spiked at 2.0 to 75.0 ppm lead, and measured by XRF in several modes and by GFAAS. Detection limits followed the EPA 3-sigma procedure.
Evidence Fitness
A non-peer-reviewed thesis. All quantitative results concern spiked samples, so it is method context only for fruit-snack-candy and supplies no occurrence data. Its main practical point is that XRF screening is too insensitive for typical candy lead levels and suits wrappers or highly contaminated items.
Related evidence
Update history
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