Marchwood becomes first UK laboratory to test for brominated dioxins

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 1^st 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.