SBIR-STTR Award

The long term objective of this proposed research is to develop a better encapsulant which not only protects lead-pigmented paint, but also detoxifies the lead. This liquid component is intended to combat lead poisoning, the leading environmental childhood disease and provide a safer workplace for lead abatement workers. This would be the first lead abatement product that actually detoxifies lead in case of ingestion and is a safe water base formula. The proposed liquid may be used in several commercial products such as: 1) coatings which would be applied as an interim step before stripping or repairs to protect workers during removal, 2) washing solutions, 3) encapsulants, 4) treatments of lead waste and 5) fogging solutions. Preliminary testing indicates that this liquid formula detoxifies lead by 50%. Phase I research is needed to improve the detoxification levels of the initial formula, analyze the feasibility of incorporating calcium compounds into a final encapsulant product and confirm preliminary results via independent products. Phase II research is necessary to confirm long term effectiveness, simulate actual extreme environmental conditions and formulate optimal mechanical characteristics to meet proposed ASTM methods for encapsulant products.Proposed commercial application:ACT-LAC has shown the potential to detoxify lead pigmented paint and its water base formula is non- -toxic. The ACT-LAC formula may be incorporated into A) a lead safe barrier B) encapsulant C) post washing solution D) lead waste treatment and E) fogging solutions.National Institute of Human Development (NIHD)

The continuing public health crisis of children's lead exposure stems from the absence of an effective and practical intervention strategy. The applicant organization, a small company specializing in coatings, has patented a chemical formulation that when ingested coincidentally with lead, will reduce lead's absorption by 50%. The chemical formulation (Bio-Barrier) is both inexpensive and safe. It acts by competitively inhibiting lead's absorption and binding lead to that it is less soluble and less bioavailable. The applicant will develop products so that the active ingredients accumulate in the lead contaminated dust and soil (e.g., coatings, cleaning solutions, lawn/soil spray). The availability of such products will provide practical, effective and innovative tools to prevent children's exposure to lead. The goal of the current Phase II SBIR is to further develop and evaluate the Bio-Barrier so that it is a commercially viable product. The goal will be achieved by: (1) conducting definitive animal studies to show the effectiveness of the Bio-Barrier, (2) developing products that will effectively generate the active ingredients in dust and soil, (3) evaluating the product's ability to generate and sustain active ingredients in soil and dust, and (4) identifying and resolving regulatory and community acceptance issues. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: Cleaning product for lead dust contaminated surfaces Soil conditioner/treatment for lead contaminated areas Primer for walls and other surfaces coated with lead based paint