Safe method for removing toxic paint
Many are concerned that harmful fumes will be released when removing
The whole idea behind Speedheater arose as a solution to the problem of toxic substances in old
Independent tests
Speedheater has been tested at independent testing institutes such as Swerea IVF and the Steam Boiler Association here in Sweden, as well as at two different American institutes.
The tests were conducted on, among other things, acrylate, latex, alkyd oil
There is a measured value of vapors that is acceptable for working 8 hours a day; for simplicity, we can call that value 100%. When the tests were conducted on Speedheater's machines, the absolute worst measurement, meaning the one that released the most vapors, was measured at 10% of the 100% that is allowed in Sweden, and in the USA, the absolute worst measurement was 7% of the 100% that is allowed for full-time work.
The release of hazardous substances was therefore well below the limit values. You can read more about one of the tests further down the page.
Lead vapors and other harmful substances
When removing heated
With a Speedheater, the working temperature on the surface you are going to scrape is between 110-160 degrees.
Lead, which is one of the most dangerous substances to ingest, is released from
A common hot air gun has a working temperature of around 400 degrees up to a full 1100 degrees.
A classic heat gun therefore only starts to function at the high temperatures that are dangerous. In contrast, a Speedheater never approaches those temperatures. This is the significant difference between Speedheater and all other heating
Independent lead testing
Speedheater System AB has commissioned a certified independent testing institute (IVF) to conduct extensive tests to investigate whether our infrared
Tests were conducted in the summer of 2005 on two culturally significant buildings in Sweden:
- Högalid Church in Stockholm – window frames from the 1920s
- Morjärv Church in Norrbotten – the wooden facade of the church tower
Measurements were taken both stationary in the work environment and directly on the workers' breathing level, during several hours of work in so-called "worst-case" scenarios (closed ventilation, continuous heating, and scraping).
The results clearly show that:
- Lead exposure was between 1–7% of the permissible limit values according to Swedish and American occupational health regulations (50 μg/m³).
- No lead fumes or steam were formed – only lead dust in very low concentrations.
- All values are well below permitted limits for both Sweden and the USA.
Facts from the tests:
- Total of 5 samples during 2 testing occasions
- Lead levels: 0.5–5.1 μg/m³ (limit value 50 μg/m³)
- No lead gases detected
- Tested metals: lead, zinc, chromium, iron
- Tested buildings: Högalid Church & Morjärv Church
Conclusion
The Speedheater method is safe and effective even when removing older
lead
safety manual, there is no risk of hazardous lead exposure for the user.
Tests were conducted by IVF in collaboration with Analytica AB and Occupational and
Environmental Medicine, Örebro University Hospital.
In-depth information about the tests
Background and Purpose
Speedheater System is used to remove
The purpose of the study was to investigate potential personal exposure to lead when working with the system.
The study was conducted by IVF on behalf of Speedheater System AB, which aims to use the results to: Understand the risks, improve products, work methods, and information.
Background Information on Lead
Lead
Two churches that were under renovation were therefore chosen as test subjects.
Methodology
The paint is heated with Speedheater to 110–160 °C until it softens and can be scraped off.
Heating releases vapors and particles that may contain lead.
Scraping also generates dust that may contain lead if the
The tests were conducted under "worst-case" conditions to ensure safety under all normal working conditions.
The tests cannot distinguish between dust and vapor, both contribute to the result.
Test standards
Tests were performed according to: AFS 1992:17 (Lead)
AFS 2007:17 (Permissible exposures and measures against air pollution)
SS-EN 689 (Swedish/European standard for workplace sampling)
The study did not compare methods, t.ex. scraping alone, hot air gun, sandblasting, or grinding.
Additional work, such as cleaning the workplace, was not monitored.
Test object 1: Högalid Church (Stockholm)
Test object and purpose
Date: July 20, 2005, approximately 5 hours of testing time.
Object: Window frames in the rectory (built around 1927).
Color: Linseed oil-based
Lead detected: Through
Contractor and Working Conditions
Contractor: Fönsterhantverkarna i Aros AB (small company, limited experience with Speedheater, no specific training)
Prerequisite: Limited experience with Speedheater, not trained in the method.
Test site: Small room in the contractor's workshop, ventilation closed to simulate worst-case scenario.
Sampling
What was measured: Paint particles and vapors were collected on 25 mm filter.
How: Two samples with 25mm filter - one stationary in the room and one on the worker. Sampling covered the entire working time.
Clarification of purpose and execution
What was tested?
If workers can be exposed to lead when using Speedheater to remove old
Why is it relevant?
Older
How was the test conducted?
Window frames with lead
Special precautions in the test:
Ventilation turned off to simulate the worst possible exposure.
Test object 2 – Morjärv Church
Test object and purpose
Test object: The church tower of Morjärv Church, completed in 1929 in northern Sweden.
Purpose: To measure personal exposure to lead when using the Speedheater System to remove old lead
The paint: Original
Lead verified by
Contractor and working conditions
Contractor: Sanfridssons Måleri AB, Piteå – experienced with Speedheater and lead
Prerequisite: Workers were trained in Speedheater.
Workplace: The church tower was accessed via scaffolding with plastic drapes, creating an almost enclosed workspace.
Sampling
What was measured: Vapors and dust particles in the air.
How: 25 mm filter, one sample from each of three workers throughout the work period.
Analysis: Filters were sent to an accredited laboratory at Örebro University Hospital, weight and content of several substances were measured (ICP-MS).
Summary of lead values in the tests
Permissible limit values:
Sweden: Lead 50 μg/m³, total dust 5 mg/m³
USA: Lead 50 μg/m³, total dust 15 mg/m³
Results from Tests (lead in the air)
Location/Worker
Total dust (mg/m³)
Lead (μg/m³)
Högalid - Stationary
0.5
1.2
Högalid - Worker
0.5
0.5
Morjärv - Worker 1
0.4
5.1
Morjärv - Worker 2
0.2
3.4
Morjärv - Worker 3
0.2
2.1
Interpretation: All measured values were below 10% of the permissible limits, well below action limits.
Other findings
Small amounts of zinc, chromium, and iron were detected in the samples, indicating other pigments, but the levels were low and not critical.
Conclusion
Use of the Speedheater System for lead removal
The tests followed international practices and represent "Worst case" scenarios.
The risk of significant lead exposure when using the Speedheater is very low.
Recommendation:
Exposure should always be kept minimal
Use appropriate clothing
Ensure proper ventilation and work procedures
Follow Speedheater's instructions and safety manuals.
