We are UKAS accredited to analyse for dioxins and PCBs in a wide variety of matrices including stack emissions, soils, manufactured products and in food and feedstuffs. Dioxin stack sampling equipment is also available for hire.

Dioxins and furans are the terms applied to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). It is generally accepted that even in minute amounts, these chemicals may cause cancer and birth defects. Except for research and analytical purposes there is no deliberate manufacture of these compounds. Rather they appear as by-products of some chemical processes and from inefficient incineration.

PCBs form another group of closely related chemicals. A few exhibit toxicity similar to those of the toxic dioxins and are therefore described as being “dioxin like”.

The European Commission has recommended a series of thresholds for dioxin content of food and feedstuffs. Any measurements exceeding these thresholds should trigger an investigation of possible contamination sources. This is aimed at reducing dioxin exposure through food over the long term to below the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended levels.

Envirolab will be happy to provide further information regarding any aspect of dioxins in the environment prior to any analytical work being undertaken. Advice on sampling is also available and we have the expertise to explain any aspect of the analytical process. Environmental contamination with dioxins is still an emotive subject in terms of human exposure through dietary or industrial emissions. Our service is fast, reliable and client confidentiality is maintained at all times.