Marchwood is the first UK laboratory to add brominated dioxins testing to its comprehensive range of analytical services for stack emissions. This test conforms with upcoming legislation to aid companies in obtaining permits for commercial incineration, and helps to safeguard public health and protect the environment.
‘Brominated and chlorinated dioxins are accidental by-products of the combustion process of household waste,’ said Rob Potts, Laboratory Manager at Marchwood. ‘The toxicity of dioxins has been highly publicised ever since Agent Orange was used in the Vietnam War. They are also persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which means they stay in the environment for a long time, resisting degradation and potentially contaminating our food, water, and air. There has also been a huge surge in customer demand because of recent changes to waste incinerator permits in England. All of this is why we at Marchwood have worked to become the first lab in the UK to test for brominated dioxins from stationary source emissions.’
Brominated dioxins are produced when substances that contain brominated flame retardants are incinerated, from domestic furniture to carpets, mattresses, household plastics, and toys. They can stay in the environment for many years, moving through soils and bypassing wastewater filtration systems without breaking down. They are highly toxic to humans and high levels in our environment could cause reproductive and developmental problems, interfere with hormones, increase the risk of cancer, and damage the immune system.
The widespread nature of brominated flame retardants has led to the Environment Agency’s decision to require all plants that burn municipal solid waste to carry out brominated dioxin monitoring.
‘No-one else in the UK is undertaking this sort of analysis, but our customers have expressed an urgent need for the service, particularly in light of the new legislation. We are solving that problem for them,’ continued Rob. ‘From 1st January 2023, plants will have to test twice a year to remain compliant. The challenge is that there isn’t an accepted accredited method for this analysis yet as no standards have been written. We already offer an MCERTS accredited service for chlorinated dioxins and PCBs using High Resolution Isotope Dilution GC/MS methodology. Our expertise in this area has helped us create a brand-new test for brominated dioxins to satisfy legislative requirements.’
‘Cawood is focused on providing innovative solutions for new and evolving customer needs,’ said Simon Parrington, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cawood. ‘By offering new services that they cannot get anywhere else, we are helping our customers meet new challenges and establish compliance whilst continuing to cement our position as the UK’s leading scientific group. By testing for these toxic substances, we are also taking an active role in supporting a safer, healthier planet.’
Marchwood provides a comprehensive analysis service for stack emissions. For more information, contact us.
Independent Analytical Supplies (IAS), leading Irish agricultural and environmental testing laboratory, has a solution for farmers wanting to increase efficiency in response to soaring fertiliser and supplement prices. IAS Laboratories has a proud tradition helping Irish farmers overcome these issues for more than a quarter of a century.
‘Accurate, reliable data is essential in driving efficient farming practices, particularly in light of recent challenges livestock farmers are facing,’ said Michael Hogan, Technical Advisor ‘Fertiliser prices have soared to €1,200 per tonne, making it far more expensive to grow nutritious grass for forage. Both Brexit and the conflict in Ukraine have also resulted in soaring prices for imported supplements. While these issues are worldwide, Irish farmers are also feeling the pressure due to rising costs and declining farm incomes.
‘To obtain the insight needed to help cut costs, ensure farmers only supply the fertilisers and supplements that are needed, and optimise crop growth and livestock production, farmers need to regularly test the nutritional value of fresh grass.’
Grass and milk analysis are essential tools in diagnosing and quantifying the background mineral levels on dairy farms and in monitoring the effectiveness of livestock nutrition programmes. IAS’ full mineral analysis on milk and grass identifies any deficiencies and imbalances that result from a poor diet. These imbalances can affect herd productivity through lower fertility, reduced milk production, and reduced thrive and immunity. They can also sometimes cause skin, eye, and hoof problems.
‘With the breeding season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to think about taking samples for mineral analysis,’ continued Michael. ‘Minerals play an integral role in a successful breeding cycle. Going into breeding, we want a cow with a healthy immune system that displays a strong heat. This immunity is supported by trace minerals including copper, iodine, zinc, and vitamin E, and silent heats are linked to deficiencies in copper and iodine in particular.
‘Analysing now means you can adjust nutrition plans before deficiencies become yield limiting. It also helps farmers avoid having to buy expensive supplements and fertiliser to make corrections last minute.’
IAS’ full scan includes all major and trace minerals, giving you a clear indication of your herd’s mineral profile. This allows farmers and advisors to make calculated adjustments to crop and livestock nutrition programmes for optimal productivity and profitability.
‘In times like these where fertiliser and supplement prices have skyrocketed and markets are less predictable, our value-added services and extensive expertise allow us to support farmers and their advisors in their decision-making,’ said Simon Parrington, Chief Executive Officer of Cawood. ‘Part of our commitment to our customers is to provide them with effective solutions to their problems. Services like these help farmers be more efficient and profitable while remaining resilient in turbulent times.’
For more details on our full mineral analysis services, contact us:
059 972 1022
sales@iaslabs.ie
To order your test kit, visit https://iaslabs.ie/ias-labs-tests/.
Sci-Tech has launched a new bioaerosols monitoring service, enabling occupational hygienists and waste management companies to protect their employees and customers and remain compliant.
‘Since 2009, the number of enclosed biowaste treatment facilities has risen significantly,’ said David Petrie-Dolphin, Business Development Manager at Sci-Tech. ‘This, coupled with the already established waste management companies and household waste recycling centres, has led us to identify bioaerosol monitoring as an emerging market. Our new service was designed to fulfil this increased customer demand, extending our offerings into the occupational health sector.’
Bioaerosols are airborne particles that contain living organisms such as bacteria and fungi. They are found naturally within the environment and are generated through composting, anaerobic digestion (AD), and mechanical handling of waste. Those in occupational settings involving exposure of workers to high concentrations of bioaerosols are most at risk of adverse health effects, including respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses.
‘Over the next few years, our customers will have new legislation to contend with,’ continued David. ‘As part of our culture of continued innovation, Sci-Tech and our sister Cawood division, Marchwood, have readied our services to help companies benchmark early to meet these future regulations. Feedback has been fantastic so far, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with our customers to safeguard public health and protect the environment.’
Sci-Tech’s bioaerosol screening service detects the exposure levels of thermotolerant fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus, total mesophilic bacteria, and thermophilic actinomycetes, using the latest guidance and state-of-the-art equipment for accurate and reliable results. Worker exposure levels are determined to assess the levels of bacteria and fungi present during a shift period to ensure that overall exposure is within limits. This service complements Marchwood’s comprehensive range of occupational hygiene capabilities.
‘At Cawood, we are committed to helping our customers enhance performance and establish compliance,’ said Simon Parrington, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cawood. ‘We achieve this by enabling our customers to stay ahead of upcoming legislation with innovative new services. Developing solutions like these means that we can help our customers meet new challenges while further cementing our position as the UK’s leading independent scientific group.’
For more details on our bioaerosols screening service, contact us.