Researchers tested products using a handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device manufactured by Innov-X Systems. The XRF analyzer uses a technology known as X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to detect certain chemical elements, such as lead, cadmium, chlorine, arsenic, mercury, tin, and antimony.
The elemental composition of the materials reveals the presence of potentially dangerous chemicals, such as heavy metals, and also allows researchers to infer the possible presence of toxic chemicals, including brominated flame retardants (BFRs), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and phthalate plasticizers. We have translated the research results into a Healthystuff.org product ranking system to allow users to easily compare the chemical levels of a variety of common consumer products.