Marchwood only lab in UK to test for brominated dioxins as legislation comes into place

Marchwood is the only UK laboratory to test for brominated dioxins in line with new legislation. This test, which helps to safeguard public health and protect the environment, is now a requirement for companies wishing to obtain permits for commercial incineration.

‘The EA legislation, which came into place on 1^st January 2023, requires burning facilities for municipal solid waste to test twice a year to meet compliance,’ said Dave Elo, Senior Business Development Manager at Marchwood. ‘In 2022, we began developing a brand new test for brominated dioxins, as there was no lab in the UK that was offering this sort of analysis. There wasn’t even an accepted standard method for it yet. The implementation document that outlines how to convert the 1948 method is now out for brominated dioxins, and we have completed our in-house validation. The fact that we are still the only lab to be offering this service, despite the urgent need for it, shows the expertise and hard work of our teams and our determination to provide rapid, solutions for our customers.’

Marchwood’s brominated dioxins testing is part of its comprehensive range of analytical services for stack emissions. The test can be undertaken as a standalone service, or brominated dioxins can be analysed alongside chlorinated dioxins and PCBs as part of the same sampling train. By sampling them all at the same point, customers can save a significant amount of money and time.

‘The world is burning over ten times as many products with brominated flame retardants in them than chlorinated plastics,’ continued Dave. ‘While we have put a lot of emphasis on recycling plastics in the last few decades, products like domestic furniture, mattresses, toys, and carpets, which all contain brominated flame retardants, are usually taken to the dump and incinerated. This process has the potential to release brominated dioxins into the environment, which are highly toxic and move through soils and bypass water filtration systems without breaking down. This is why the EA has legislated that all burning facilities for municipal solid waste start regular brominated dioxin monitoring, and why we have developed this new test.’

‘As part of our goal to create value for our customers and support a safer, healthier planet, we are focussed on providing innovative solutions for new and evolving customer needs,’ said Declan Burns, Managing Director of Cawood’s Environment division. ‘The fact that we are the only lab to offer this test truly cements Cawood’s position as the UK’s leading scientific group. This is all thanks to the hard work and dedication of our teams, who take pride in continuously improving and developing unique solutions to problems.’

Marchwood provides a comprehensive analysis service for stack emissions. For more information, contact us.