By The Keystone Newspaper Students help community identify household hazards using campus lab tools
By Katelynn Humbles
On Tuesday, April 22, KU hosted “Get the Lead Out,” a free lead and chemical testing event designed to educate the public on potential household hazards. The event was organized by the Department of Physical Sciences in partnership with the Geology Club, and took place in the Boehm Science Building.
Attendees were encouraged to bring items such as antique dishware, paint chips, and jewelry to be analyzed using a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. The device, operated by KU students with faculty supervision, uses non-invasive methods to detect the presence of heavy metals without damaging the object.
Credit: Photography by Katelynn Humbles
“There are a lot of antiques and older homes in our community that may have lead concerns, and this is a quick, safe, and free way to check,” Dr. Kurt Friehauf, professor of geology, said. “We can also test for other hazardous things like arsenic, as well as test metals in jewelry and other objects of interest without any harm to the sample.”
Friehauf also noted the university’s role in supporting public health initiatives. “This program shows how the university can give back to the surrounding community. We’re partners in this together,” he said.
In addition to the XRF spectrometer, KU’s Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was on display, offering visitors a look at how materials can be analyzed at a microscopic level.
The Geology Club, along with student organizer Rachel Stahley, a sophomore geology major, plans to host similar events in the future.