Handheld X-ray Fluorescence Research Articles

Chromium and cobalt in leather: A Danish market survey.

Leather has been a significant source of chromium (Cr) allergy in Denmark since the 1990s. More recently, cobalt (Co) allergy has been identified in leather as a source of allergic contact dermatitis. To measure Cr and Co levels in Danish leather goods. A total of 87 leather samples were collected, all tanned in Europe. Handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device was used to screen for the presence of Cr and Co. The 20 leather samples with the highest concentrations of Co and Co were tested using International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-standards. XRF analysis showed Cr in 78/87 (83.9%) samples and Co in 52/87 (59.7%), with average concentrations of 41 mg/kg (range: 0.0-77 mg/kg) and 0.22 mg/kg (range: 0.0-2.9 mg/kg), respectively. ISO 10195 and 17 075-1 testing identified Cr (VI) in 7 out of 20 samples (1.4; 0.3-4.2 mg/kg), while ISO 17072-1 detected Co in 6 of 20 samples, averaging 3.95 mg/kg (range: 0.22-7.9 mg/kg). Most leather samples contained Cr, which was expected, while Cr (VI) was detectable in seven out of twenty tested samples but only detected in one product above the regulatory limit of 3 mg/kg. A potentially significant concentration was found for Co.

Analysis of Selected Macro- and Microelement Components in the Indigenous Soybean Cultivars from Regions of the Western Himalaya in India

The need to focus on traditional crops for food security has been realized across the globe. ‘Bhat’ is an indigenous soybean variety from the Indian Himalayan Region that has been neglected in recent times due to changing agricultural choices. The present study was conducted on 52 indigenous soybean accessions collected from different villages of Uttarakhand, a hilly state in Northern India, to determine the concentrations of various macro- and microelements in the crop. The analysis used the HHXRF (handheld X-ray fluorescence) spectroscopic technique and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The findings reveal that the ‘bhat’ is an extremely nutrient-rich crop with calcium being the most significant macronutrient (highest concentration of 27,300 ppm), followed by phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur found in the bhat seeds. The study suggests that samples from Pauri Garhwal (Gwad Khirsu, Bironkhal, Sripur), Tehri (PratapNagar, Singoli), Chamoli (Paini, and Agastyamuni) villages were rich in all the major macronutrients. Among the micronutrients, silicon was found to be the most dominant with the highest concentration of 1920 ppm. This was followed by the dominance of iron, zinc, and manganese in descending order of abundance. Tipri, Chandola Rai Goonth, Chopdiun, and Paini villages were found to have the highest concentrations of microelements. The statistical data analysis confirms that seed samples from different regions are significantly similar in terms of nutrient concentrations, except for Si and Fe, thereby indicating that ‘bhat’ from any of the villages is equally good for consumption. However, seed samples from certain regions were found to be contaminated with heavy metals, indicating soil pollution, which demands attention towards current agricultural practices. The findings show that the crop is an exceptional source of essential and quasi-essential elements and should be promoted to benefit the hill populations.

Production perspectives of a high-status polychrome jewellery set from the Hunnic period (mid-5th century AD) Carpathian Basin

Fifty years after the discovery of the Regöly grave, the emblematic Hunnic period archaeological assemblage from Hungary, an extensive scientific investigation was performed on the polychrome dress accessories of the high-status woman, often referred to as the “Princess of Regöly”, buried there. The multi-instrumental analyses aimed to characterise material and technological aspects of the gemstone-inlaid artefacts (a set of a pair of bow-brooches and a belt buckle), i.e., the manufacturing and decorative techniques as well as the chemical and mineralogical compositions. The non-destructive and non-invasive gemmological and geochemical analyses applied optical microscopes, handheld XRF, SEM-EDX and Raman microspectrometer. This study provides the first comprehensive examination of the Hunnic period polychrome jewellery, and highlights the potential of combining surface and subsurface analyses to specify garnet provenances. It presents the first evidence of use of antique and early medieval garnet sources during the early Migration period. The findings enhance understanding of the garnet supply chain and trade network, the production organisation and potential workshop connections. Significant differences of the brooches and the buckle reveal varying levels of luxury among the elite, providing insight into the social context of the polychrome jewellery associated with the “Princess of Regöly”.

Exploring Carolingian and Romanesque cycles: a study of the detached wall paintings from the Church of St. Johann in Müstair

Twenty-six fragment of wall paintings detached from the upper register of the Carolingian and Romanesque cycles of the church of St. John in Müstair (Switzerland) have been part of the Swiss National Museum collection since the beginning of the twentieth century. As some of these objects were in a critical state of conservation, a research project was launched to assess and document their conditions, and to gain knowledge about painting materials and execution techniques, in view of planning a conservation project. In a first phase, non-destructive analyses were carried out, using handheld XRF and portable FTIR spectroscopy; followed by the targeted collection of samples for detailed analysis in the laboratory. In parallel, similar investigations were carried out on the imprints left on the walls of the church’s attic. The results allowed the identification of the pigment palette and the execution technique. Besides earth pigments such as ochres, a lime-based white, probably bianco di San Giovanni, and limited amounts of lapis lazuli were used in both painting cycles. For the Carolingian cycle, Egyptian blue and mixtures of several lead-based pigments were also identified. In several instances, the deterioration of lead-based pigments resulted in shades of grey to black severely modifying the original appearance of the wall paintings. Additionally, both cycles have suffered from pigment alteration due to fire. The obtained results, together with iconographic considerations, allowed for an extended interpretation of possible original colour palette.Graphical

Effects of soil and phylogeny on sulfur and phosphorus concentrations in wild plants on volcanic and non-volcanic soils in Japan

ABSTRACT Andosols are soils characterized by relatively high sulfur concentrations, but also by their low phosphorus availability for crops and vegetables. We assessed the effect of soil type on the concentrations of sulfur and phosphorus in plants using handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis on herbarium specimens collected from Andosols and non-volcanic soils in Japan. The sulfur concentrations in plants from Andosols were higher than plants from non-volcanic soils, but there was no significant difference between their foliar phosphorus concentrations. Only three specimens out of 1203 herbarium specimens were below the sulfur concentration (1000 mg kg−1) needed for adequate growth of crops, but about half of specimens were below that for phosphorus (2000 mg kg−1). The sulfur concentrations were high in herbaceous plants, especially in plants from the Brassicaceae and Liliaceae families. Overall, the results show that the sulfur concentrations in wild plants from Japan were higher in Andosols, with a low risk for sulfur deficiency. In contrast, the effect of soil type on the phosphorus concentrations in plants was small, and this may be explained because most wild plants grow under phosphorus-limiting conditions. Finally, the analysis reveals a strong correlation between sulfur and phosphorus concentrations in plants, suggesting the existence of a mechanism that controls the sulfur and phosphorus concentration ratios.

Revisiting mixing uniformity effect on strength of cement-based stabilized soft clay

Despite the fact that mixing uniformity (i.e. the consistency of binder distribution) significantly influence the quality of ground improvement during in situ soil mixing projects, its quantitative evaluation was rarely concerned due to the difficulty of measurement from an engineering perspective. A methodology was proposed to quantitatively evaluate the mixing uniformity of stabilized soil using handheld X-fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), which is helpful to elucidate the significance of mixing uniformity on strength. In other words, the calcium content was monitored to ascertain the distribution of cement within the matrix, and a quantitative index was subsequently established. It was observed that an increase in mixing uniformity resulted in a transition in the behavior of the stabilized clay from a plastic to a brittle failure mode, and from a localized failure to a global shear failure under unconfined compression. Subsequent observation of the destruction process revealed that cracks were more readily formed in the low cement zones and then bypass the high cement zones. Furthermore, the effect of mixing uniformity on strength is likely to be amplified with prolonged curing periods. The enhancement of uniformity would increase the volume of the high binder zones, thereby enhancing the overall high-strength performance. The proposed methodology is capable of characterizing the discreteness between the tracked element's measured and theoretical contents, thusing avoiding the uncertainty associated with other indirect indicators. The convenience of the portable handheld XRF apparatus was confirmed, as it can be readily deployed in situ or ex situ to track calcium content within the stabilized mass after borehole sampling.

Practices and Rules of 16th Century Genoese Gilding: Exploring Gold Leaf Thickness and Caratage through X-ray and Ion Beam Techniques

This study investigates the practices and rules of Genoese gilding, drawing insights from a 16th-century manuscript containing regulations for gold leaf production. Employing X-ray and ion beam techniques, we quantitatively assess the manuscript’s gold leaf thickness without destructive sampling. Artisanal goldbeater-produced leaves of different thicknesses, applied with a guazzo or mordant technique, served as standards. Further analysis of samples with unknown thickness from the furniture of Palazzo Spinola di Pellicceria in Genoa (Italy) has confirmed the method’s applicability to practical cases. External beam Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analyses were carried out using 3 MeV protons at the LABEC accelerator laboratory in Florence. A linear relationship between Gold Lα peak yield and leaf thickness, as measured by RBS, has been established for optimal calibration of portable or hand-held X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) instrumentation for in situ measurements. Moreover, the caratage of the gold foil preserved in the manuscript has been assessed.

Quantification of Gypsum in Soils via Portable X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

Abstract This study explores the potential of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) as a rapid, nondestructive, and cost-effective technique for in situ sulfate quantification. Gypsum, the main source of sulfate in soils, reacts with calcium-based stabilizers to form expansive minerals, which reduces the long-term strength of the treated soil. Therefore, accurate detection of sulfate content prior to employing calcium-based chemical stabilization is important to mitigate the possibility of expansive mineral formation and ensure acceptable engineering behavior of the stabilized soil. Portable handheld XRF (PXRF) has shown the ability to estimate gypsum content accurately, utilizing calcium as a proxy. However, detecting sulfur, in the form of sulfite or sulfate remains challenging due to device sensitivity limitations. This research aims to address this limitation and develop a method for direct sulfur detection, enhancing the utility of PXRF for in situ sulfate quantification. Laboratory standards were created with known amounts of gypsum and portions were sent to a commercial laboratory for whole rock analysis. The remainder of the reference standards were used to calibrate several soil library standards within the PXRF. The calibrated PXRF was able to accurately detect the anhydrous form of gypsum, anhydrite (CaSO4), in these reference standards for contents ranging from 0 to 8 %. The proposed XRF-based approach offers the potential to revolutionize sulfate detection in soils, providing a rapid and reliable tool for assessing soil stability and optimizing chemical stabilization efforts. By enabling real-time, on-site analysis, this method holds promise for improving construction practices and reducing the risk of structural damage associated with soils containing sulfate-bearing minerals.

Radiation Techniques for Tracking the Progress of the Hydrometallurgical Leaching Process: A Case Study of Mn and Zn

With advancements in hardware and software, non-destructive radiometric analytical methods have become popular in a wide range of applications. A typical case is the study of the leaching process of metals from mineral ores and mine tailings. The objective of the current study was to develop a radiometric method based on neutron activation analysis (NAA), in particular, delayed gamma neutron activation analysis (DGNAA), to monitor the process of Mn and Zn leaching from Ti ore, Cu mine tailings, and Zn-Pb mine tailings. The DGNAA method was performed using a neutron source: a deuterium-tritium (D-T) neutron generator for Mn and a MARIA research nuclear reactor for Zn. Laboratory-scale Mn leaching from Ti ores, Cu tailings, and Zn-Pb tailings was investigated using delayed gamma-rays of 56Mn (half-life of 2.6 h). The dissolution efficiencies of Mn were found to increase with interaction time and HCl concentration (1 to 5 M) and to vary with the leaching temperature (22.5 to 110 °C). Such results were found to agree with those obtained by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry for the same samples. 65Zn (half-life of 244 days) was chosen to investigate real-time/online leaching of Zn in Ti ore, Cu tailings, and Zn-Pb tailings. During online monitoring, Zn recovery was also reported to increase with increased leaching time. After approximately 300 min of leaching, 80%, 79%, and 53% recovery of Zn in Zn-Pb tailings, Ti ore, and Cu tailings, respectively, were reported. Theoretically, developed mathematical prediction models for 65Zn radiotracer analysis showed that the spherical diffusion model requires much less time to attain saturation compared to the linear diffusion model. The results of NAA for Zn were compared with those obtained by handheld X-ray fluorescence (handheld-XRF) and TXRF analysis. The analyzed samples encompassed leached Ti ore, Cu tailings, and Zn-Pb tailings which were subjected to different conditions of leaching time, temperature, and HCl concentrations. The XRF analysis confirmed that the leaching efficiencies of Zn rise with the increase in leaching time and HCl concentration and fluctuate with leaching temperature. The developed approach is important and can be applied in laboratories and industrial setups for online monitoring of the recovery of any element whose isotopes can be activated using neutrons. The efficiency of the metal-recovery process has a direct impact on the normal operation and economic advantages of hydrometallurgy.

Sustainable approach to quality assurance in cement-improved soil: applications of handheld XRF for geotechnical solutions

Traditional methods for evaluating the quality of the Deep Mixing Method (DMM) in Japan, such as the phenolphthalein tracer method, present limitations in ensuring strength improvement. This study explores handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) as a sustainable alternative for quality assessment. The elemental composition of cement-treated soil was investigated, focusing on Calcium (Ca), Silicate (Si), and Sulfate (S), which play crucial roles in the formation of hydrated products, aiming to accurately determine their influence on the strength development of the improved soil. A controlled protocol was employed using commercial Kaolin clay and the needle penetration test for strength assessment. Our laboratory experiments, conducted with a cement-based binder (C) dosage of 110 kg/m3 and a water-cement (W/C) ratio of 1, furthered our understanding of the hydration process. Results indicate an apparent increase in Ca amount over time, correlating with improved strength, while the apparent amount of Si decreases, suggesting its integration into hydration products such as C-S–H gel. Strength assessment rose significantly between day 1 and 28, aligning with variations observed in Si, Ca, and S, underlining their role in strength evolution. This research underscores the potential of handheld XRF as a sustainable substitute for conventional methods in field-quality assurance, offering real-time data on the formation of possible hydrated products during the hydration process for improved soil in geotechnical engineering.

Äldre rödgods från Studentholmen i Uppsala

Early glazed redwares from Studentholmen in Uppsala- an evaluation of provenance using XRF and ICP analysis. The assemblage of pottery from Studentholmen, excavated by Knut Stjerna in 1907, contains one of the largest and most varied collections of medieval ledglazed redwares from the medieval town of Uppsala. Previous have pointed to the similarities in form and technology with the larger productions centers in western Europe as well as to the possibilities that some of the less elaborately decorated pitchers and jugs might be locally produced. A study, aimed at establishing the provenance of the material by using handheld XRF for a non-destructive screening of the larger material and following ICP-analysis from identified and selected groups have been conducted in 2023. The study shows that the main centers for production of the vessels in Studentholmen where northern Germany and Netherlands. Further the study shows methodological potential for cost effective analyses of large assemblages of early redwares in the future, thus making more materials in museum collections available for much needed research.

Technical note: Application of Handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometers in forensic analysis of cigarette ash

Cigarettes are part of a collection of objects found everywhere and smoked by a large part of the population. Cigarette butts can be an essential piece of evidence in identifying a certain suspect/witness, as they can suggest the positive identification or exclusion of one or more brands by comparison or even DNA analysis. The main objective of this study is to test the capability of Handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (HHXRF) to analyze the elemental concentration of individual cigarette ash of several tobacco brands and investigate if it is further possible to discriminate the different brands based on their ash’s elemental concentration. This study reveals the capability of HHXRF to discriminate tobacco brands based on their ashes' elemental concentration, with the great advantage of the analyses being non-destructive and can be carried out on a small sample. In addition, this equipment can measure the ash's elemental concentrations on-site, allowing for less contamination and sample loss.

Integrating portable X-ray fluorescence site survey and ArcGIS models for rapid risk assessment and mitigation strategies at an abandoned arsenic mine site: a case study

ABSTRACT Australia’s metalliferous abandoned mine sites (MAMSs), pose tangible threats to the environment and human health. To address these concerns, our study utilised state-of-the-art handheld XRF technology to conduct a real-time assessment of the Mole River arsenic mine site. The data revealed notably elevated levels of arsenic and manganese, with the southeast corner of the site identified as a contaminant hotspot. We used a tiered risk assessment approach to compare the detected contaminant concentrations to the Australian health investigation levels (tier 1). This led us to a broader examination of erosion vulnerabilities and the potential migration of contaminants (tier 2). Further, a hydrological assessment (tier 3) identified significant erosion in southern regions, indicating the potential for contaminants to be transported off-site through surface water runoff to Sam’s Creek and Mole River. The proximity of a reservoir to these runoff pathways brought forth additional challenges, especially during heavy rainfall events. Subsequent laboratory analysis of water samples reinforced our findings, as they confirmed heightened arsenic concentrations in Mole River downstream, accentuating the potential risks to ecosystems and human health. By integrating the XRF contour map and erosion assessment with the RUSLE model, valuable insights are gained into critical hotspots with high contamination and erosion potential. By directing rehabilitation efforts towards critical hotspots, resources can be allocated more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Iron ore grade's impact on uniaxial compression behavior and acoustic emission characteristics

The mechanical properties of iron ore are influenced by various factors, including its grade, which consequently impacts stope stability and equipment efficiency in the mining process. In order to explore the influence and mechanism of grade on these properties, handheld XRF testing was conducted to determine the grade of iron ore samples ranging from 28% to 40%. Subsequently, the acoustic emission method was employed to acquire signals during the uniaxial compression tests. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy was utilized to examine the fracture surface, for performing a microscopic analysis of the influence mechanism of grade on the mechanical properties of iron ore. The results revealed that lower-grade iron ore exhibited larger transverse deformation, with a corresponding dominance of tensile failure. This observation aligned with the AF-RA value (Parameters of reaction crack type), which depicted a shift in the types of microcracks generated during the compression process from tensile cracks to shear cracks with the increasing grade. The content of gangue minerals diminishing as the grade increased. Consequently, the location of the cracks transitioned from the primary failure Through the gangue minerals to the primary microcracks in metallic minerals, resulting in a higher occurrence of acoustic emission events during the early loading stage and the development speed of microcracks accelerates during the loading process. The dominant frequency (Parameters of reaction crack size) of the acoustic emission signal increased from 150 kHz at a grade of 28% to 264 kHz at a grade of 40%, accompanied by a linear decrease in the proportion of low-frequency signals. The b value (indicator for quantifying the degree of damage) demonstrates a decrease with increasing grade. Overall, the content of metal minerals in the iron ore increased with the grade, resulting in polymerization. However, the influence of crack propagation on the overall strength of iron ore remained relatively minor. Macroscopically, the uniaxial compressive strength increased almost linearly with the iron ore grade.

Machine learning regression algorithms for generating chemical element maps from X-ray fluorescence data of paintings

Generating chemical element maps of paintings from X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data is a very valuable tool for the scientific community of conservators and art historians. Hand-held XRF scanners are cheap and easily portable but their use provides scans with a few data, so additional analytical tools are needed to obtain reliable chemical element maps from them. Recently, the software tool SmART_Scan was released, which uses an algorithm based on the minimum hypercube distance (MHD) to compute this kind of maps. In this paper, we propose a new methodology to address this problem by using machine learning algorithms for regression as alternative and more accurate techniques than MHD. We tested MHD versus eight machine learning regression algorithms on two paintings with different features. Our results showed that machine learning algorithms Random Forest and kNN significantly outperformed MHD in Mean Squared Error (MSE) and coefficient of determination (R2) for all the experiments. When using experts’ data and a hold-out validation, kNN was the best-ranked algorithm. Random Forest was the best-ranked algorithm when cross-validation was used. We did not find significant differences in average MSE nor in R2 between kNN and Random Forest, so we can conclude that Random Forest is the best-suited algorithm for computing chemical element maps of paintings from XRF data.

Complementary scientific techniques for the study of Mesoamerican greenstone objects

Jade and greenstone objects have been held in high regard by many cultures stemming from their limited geological availability and their unique optical and mechanical properties. Jade and greenstone objects symbolized life, fertility, and eternity to early Mesoamerican people. In recent years, scientific studies on jade and greenstone objects have been performed to establish provenance and usage, identify composition, and verify the presence of a particular material. These studies of jade and greenstone objects are generally divided geographically, with considerable interest in China and Central America. Most studies are focused on objects from one particular archaeological site; however, a few studies have focused on collections from a range of sites. The use of multiple complimentary analytical techniques has been shown to be the most effective method for characterizing and understanding the technical information obtained from cultural heritage objects. In our study, we examine a set of Mesoamerican jade and greenstone objects from the collection at the Dallas Museum of Art using multiple non-destructive techniques, including scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and handheld X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. We briefly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. Lastly, we present the results from our study and discuss them in their archaeological and historical context.

Comparison of Different Methods for Evaluating Quantitative X-ray Fluorescence Data in Copper-Based Artefacts

Handheld X-ray Fluorescence devices (HH-XRF) have given archaeologists and conservators the opportunity to study a wide range of materials encountered in their work with great accessibility and flexibility. The investigation of copper-based artefacts is a frequent application of these instruments in the field of cultural heritage as it gives direct and rapid quantitative results that can provide very important information about them, such as their fabrication technology. This paper discusses the comparison of quantitative results, obtained by a commercial handheld XRF device “Bruker Tracer 5g” on certified standards, compositionally significant in copper-based alloys of interest in the field of cultural heritage. The measured elemental concentrations were derived using three different calibrations, which were examined for their accuracy. Two of them were based on the empirical coefficients approach, performed by the built-in calibration/software (copper alloy calibrations provided by Bruker manufacturer and the Bruker EasyCal software), while the third one was performed off-line by processing the spectra with an independent fundamental parameters (FP) software (PyMca version 5.9.2., a X-ray fluorescence analysis software developed at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility). The results highlight that although HH-XRF devices simplify data collection, for optimal quantitative results, the correct choice of analysis conditions and calibration method still requires a detailed understanding of the principles of X-ray spectrometry.

Handheld XRF in ceramic research: a case study from the Lower Guadalquivir region

Handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer in the last 15 years become very popular and nowadays is a wellestablished device in archaeometry. This paper presents reflections based on the practice of using a spectrometer over the last years, trying to highlight both the advantages and disadvantages of this tool. To illustrate the potential of the device for research on more general than technical issues in archaeology, the results of spectroscopic analyses from two, closely located archaeological sites in western Andalusia, Setefilla necropolis and Setefilla settlement, is presented. Thanks to the potassium-titanium test it can be noticed that the results vary for each site, and the differences in elemental composition are interpreted as manifestations of the intentional use of different paste recipes for specific social practices.

Elemental Analysis of Tetragonula laeviceps Propolis by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Propolis, a natural substance produced by stingless bees (Tetragonula laeviceps), consists of a blend of resins collected from plant exudates and other botanical sources. Bees utilize propolis for hive maintenance and protection against predators. Propolis is widely used in various therapeutic formulations, including treatments for upper respiratory tract infections, burns, acne, herpes, and neurodermatitis. The propolis samples were analyzed using Olympus DELTA Professional Handheld XRF Analyzer. This study employs X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis to investigate the elemental composition of propolis. Data results of XRF were presented in percentage with limit detection into ppm (%, ppm). The result showed that the three most dominant elements composition in propolis sample from FB 1 were Ca(77.12%) ; K(11.59%), and SO3(5.18%). Propolis Sample from KP 1 were Fe(31.73%);Ca (26.42%); and K(14.04%). Propolis Sample from KP 2 were K(28.32%); P2O5(24.35%); and Ca(18.82%). The conclusion was that the three propolis samples contained 2 constant elements, namely Calcium (Ca) and Potassium (K). Calcium and Potassium were found to be essential functions in all organisms.

Pre-demolition audit as a tool for appropriate CDW management – a case study of a public building

The identification of hazardous construction and demolition waste (CDW) is crucial for the appropriate and safe waste management. The pre-demolition audit is not compulsory in all EU member states, so if the control is not strict the hazardous CDW might pollute the inert fraction and create risks for human health and environment. In Bulgaria, only some industrial sites are considered as a potential source of hazardous CDW. Classification of hazards can be difficult also because the European Waste Catalogue is not specific on the hazardous CDW (with some exceptions). For example, heavy metals are among the most dangerous substances but very often remain undiscovered or underestimated. A case study of an abandoned 100-year-old public building has been performed to illustrate the importance of the pre-demolition audit. A handheld XRF analyser is used to identify contaminated materials. Samples were taken from those materials for doing leaching tests. It was proven that there was a high content of heavy metals in different paints, on internal and external walls, and fenestration. In addition to the discussion of results, some measures to separate the hazardous coatings from the recyclable masonry and wooden waste are discussed to provide higher recovery rates for the CDW.