Why do you need accurate SVOC testing of soil?
What is a Semi Volatile Organic Compound (SVOC)?
A SVOC is an organic compound which has a boiling point higher than water and which may vaporize when exposed to temperatures above room temperature.
Where do SVOCs come from?
Many are human made and are used and produced in the manufacturing industry (e.g. in plastic, pharmaceutical and pesticide manufacture). SVOCs are typically industrial plasticizers e.g. phthalates, by-products of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels e.g benzo(a) pyrene. Household sources can include, cooked foods (especially chargrilled), medicines, disinfectants and more….
Are SVOCs dangerous to me?
SVOCs include a variety of chemicals, which may have short and long term adverse health effects. The health effects can vary greatly from those that are highly toxic, to those which at present, have no known health effects. Many are suspected to be cancer causing in humans and some are known to be carcinogenic in animals and humans e.g benzo (a) pyrene. Other SVOCs have also been shown to be reproductive toxicants based on animal studies e.g. phthalates and have been linked to asthma, allergies, and other bronchial irritations.
What Chemex can do!
Chemex test for a standard suite of 125 target semi volatile organic compounds, US EPA Method 8270 as modified for the US EPA CLP. Our method utilizes GC/MS instrumentation. Mass selective detectors allow excellent compound identification, even when some compounds co-elute. Sample concentrations are calculated by individual quantitation mass peak areas for each target compound to the appropriate internal standard quantitation mass peak area and the response factor calibrated from the preceding calibration standard. For a full method summary and target compound list highlight the link.
To summarize, SVOC testing in the environment is important to all of us. Chemex has a wealth of experience and a robust method of analysis.
· Why we test Soil for SVOCs
· How we analyse
· Reliable Results
· Method Acceditation
· Bespoke Reporting Formats
When you get the results how reliable are they?
Every result we provide is backed by a wealth of validation data, both from in-house studies, external proficiency testing schemes, like Contest, and accreditation from UKAS. For full accreditation schedule highlight the links opposite.
Experience Chemex have been involved in a number of monitoring projects locally, at the Mildenhall US Air base, as well as internationally in Sevran, the Congo and Yemen.