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What is a ghost wipe?

The Ghost Wipe is a sturdy wiping material moistened with DI water that holds together even on the roughest wiping surfaces. In the lab, the Ghost Wipe readily and completely dissolves during the digestion process. This feature provides more complete dispersion of analytes and more uniform recoveries.



A "ghost wipe" is a specialized, sturdy, pre-moistened paper wipe primarily used by environmental and industrial hygiene professionals to sample surface dust for hazardous metals, most notably lead and beryllium. The name comes from their unique laboratory property: during the "digestion" phase of analysis, the wipe completely dissolves in the presence of hot water or acid. This "ghost-like" disappearance is a critical technical advantage because it leaves no fibrous residue or undissolved material that could clog sensitive laboratory equipment like nebulizers or capillaries. These wipes are engineered to meet specific regulatory standards (such as ASTM E1792 and NIOSH 9100) and are robust enough to be used on rough or abrasive surfaces without tearing. They allow for highly accurate measurements of lead dust on windowsills, floors, and walls, which is essential for verifying safety in older homes or industrial sites. By dissolving entirely, they ensure that the analytes being tested are uniformly dispersed in the sample solution, providing a more reliable reading of the actual contamination level.

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