Original vinyl bench for 1975 Hammond organ: 4,138 ppm Lead, 370 Arsenic, 21 Cadmium + 835 Antimony!

When tested with an XRF instrument the vinyl covered bench for this 1975 Hammond organ had the following readings:

Brown vinyl seat of organ bench:

• Lead (Pb): 4,138 +/- 113 ppm
• Cadmium (Cd): 21 +/- 8 ppm
• Arsenic (As): 370 +/- 102 ppm
• Barium (Ba): 15,600 +/- 300 ppm
• Chromium (Cr): 1,117 +/- 212
• Antimony (Sb): 835 +/- 27 ppm
• Tin (Sn): 24 +/- 15 ppm
• Zinc (Zn): 969 +/- 52 ppm
• Iron (Fe): 8,294 +/- 280 ppm

Results are science based, accurate and replicable. All tests are done for a minimum of 60 seconds and repeated multiple times to confirm the levels. Tests are done using an XRF instrument that gives readings in parts per million (ppm). If a metal is not listed above it was not detected by the XRF instrument in the testing of this item.

Simple Solution:

I often recommend this solution when I do home visits and find a piano bench has unsafe levels of Lead or other toxicants: the simplest solution is to cover the bench with a new layer of non-toxic non-porous (tight weave or waterproof, so dust cannot get through) fabric. If you have funds for this you can take the bench to get professional reupholstered.

If you are on a tight budget (like we always are), it is super easy to create a cover for a bench like this with a needle, thread, some fabric and some elastic. Make it like a giant (rectangular) shower cap (or small sheet), so you can just stretch the elastic edges over the edges of the original (toxic) vinyl fabric of the bench and call it good. Given the size of this particular bench (which is a little larger than some  – I am going to look into changing table pad covers to see if one fits the dimensions of the seat (which would fit the bill and save us some sewing!) When we next have some available funds (in a year or two!) I will then get it professionally reupholstered!

As always, than you for reading and for sharing my posts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama