Launched in March in the USA, the X-550 Pb analyzer, manufactured by the American company SciAps and distributed in France by Quantum-RX, heralded a breakthrough technology for various real estate diagnostics of lead in paint. Thanks to its X-ray tube and specific algorithms, this device promises property diagnosticians a safer and less restrictive alternative to radioactive source analyzers, for superior performance. Following discussions between the public authorities and Quantum-RX, the Laboratoire National d'Essais (LNE) will be commissioned to launch an official comparison and evaluation process between the radioactive source technique and the X-ray tube technique developed by SciAps.
Since March 2022, SciAps' X-550 Pb analyzer has been successfully marketed in the USA. It is the first and only X-ray tube analyzer - i.e. totally electric and therefore without radioactive source - validated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for lead analysis in paint as part of regulatory housing diagnostics.
Currently in France, real estate diagnosticians use devices equipped with radioactive sources to carry out the Diagnosis Plomb or Crep (Constat de Risque d'Exposition au Plomb) and the diagnosis before building work.
The radioactive source contained in these analyzers presents a number of constraints in terms of transport (hazardous material to be declared), storage (fireproof safe, fire extinguisher), operator safety (radiation protection) and very high replacement costs.
Quantum-RX, SciAps' exclusive distributor in France, has already contacted the public authorities. Following these exchanges, the Laboratoire National d'Essais (LNE) will be commissioned to launch an official process of comparison and evaluation between the two technologies: that of SciAps (X-ray tube associated with specific algorithms) and that of radioactive source analyzers.
The X-550-Pb uses an X-ray tube, which poses little risk to humans or the environment. This electrical generator is combined with electronic components (new-generation SDD detector) and powerful algorithms to achieve performance superior to the best radioactive source analyzers.
For Joël Le Chevalier, President of Quantum RX: " The purpose of the LNE study is to measure the technical advantages of our solution for lead diagnosis in paint in France, and to make positive changes to current legislation. Pending these results, we are still not marketing the X-550 Pb in France for lead analysis in paints within the regulatory framework. ".
To date, LNE has not been given a deadline for completion of its assignment.