Marchwood adds ultra-low level hexavalent chromium monitoring to occupational hygiene services

Marchwood has expanded its occupational hygiene analytical services to include ultra-low level hexavalent chromium (CrVl) monitoring. This comprehensive service is critical for helping employers and occupational hygienists protect workers and adhere to stringent requirements.

‘Exposure to hexavalent chromium has been linked to severe health conditions, including lung cancer, asthma, bronchitis, and damage to the nasal cavity, skin, and eyes,’ said Jenny Wraith, Business Development Manager at Marchwood. ‘With this in mind, protecting workers and complying with the stringent requirements of EU Directive 2004/37 is absolutely critical. To do this, employers must conduct regular monitoring to assess exposure levels and implement necessary safety measures. At Marchwood, we can help.’

Marchwood has invested in new instrumentation to help monitor CrVl exposure to ultra-low levels, including a contemporary Ion Chromatography system. Its comprehensive service adheres to BS ISO 16740:2005 standards, and includes pre-treated filters for sampling and analytical reporting with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01μg (equivalent to 0.02μg/m³ for a 480L sample). Marchwood also offers flexible turnaround options, including a standard 10-working-day service and a 5 day fast-track option at an additional cost.

‘Our new equipment for our CrVl service allows us to deliver the most effective and accurate CrVl monitoring,’ continued Wraith. ‘The customer takes the sample in the worker’s breathing zone to help evaluate the extent of exposure throughout a work shift. Samples are collected on pre-treated filters and analysed using ion chromatography, with LODs designed to measure concentrations as low as <1 μg/m³, or even 0.025 μg/m³ when technically possible.’

CrVl compounds are widely used in the chemical industry for pigments, metal plating, and chemical synthesis, posing significant health risks to workers. These compounds can also be inadvertently produced during welding operations, even when chromium exists in a different valence state initially.

‘At Cawood, our commitment to continuous improvement drives us to invest in the latest instrumentation and technology,’ said Pete Allen, General Manager at Marchwood. ‘One of our priorities is to position ourselves in the best place to help our clients protect their people and adhere to environmental and occupational regulations. Ultimately, by providing accurate and reliable data like this, we are helping to support a safer, healthier planet.’

For more information on our services, contact us.