Lead Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, April 24^th , 2020

Piston-engine aircraft operating on leaded aviation gasoline (avgas) are the largest remaining aggregate source of lead emissions to air in the United States according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In response, the agency has been evaluating the air quality impact of lead emissions from aircraft using avgas.

This past November, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published the fact sheet, Leaded Aviation Fuel and the Environment. In it, tetraethyl lead (TEL), the organic compound in avgas that contain lead to boost octane, is discussed in-depth. The FAA reports that although TEL was banned from automotive gasoline completely back in 1986, it has not yet been banned in avgas because no operationally safe alternative is currently available.

Regarding whether TEL is toxic, the FAA states:

All forms of lead are toxic if inhaled or ingested. Lead can affect human health in several ways, including effects on the nervous system, red blood cells and cardiovascular and immune systems.  Infants and young children are especially sensitive to even low levels of lead, which may contribute to behavioral and learning problems and lower IQ. Children have increased sensitivity due to their developing nervous systems.

“The FAA has plans for unleaded avgas in the future, but it’s important that people who work with or near piston-engine aircraft, and those living in areas surrounding airports that are utilized by a large number of piston-engine aircraft, understand that lead is being emitted into the air,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, our network of laboratories across the United States and Canada offer lead testing services for samples from the air, soil and water. These environmental testing services are available to environmental groups, regulatory agencies, airport administrators and the public to help determine if lead exposure risks exist for airport workers and nearby residents.”

To learn more about this or other occupational, environmental, air quality, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.