If you’re worried about contractors entering your home at the moment to carry out testing, purchase one of our self-sampling kits to take samples yourself safely for analysis. We offer a range of kits to test Asbestos, Legionella and more; envirochem.co.uk/shop/products
Or for more information fill out the form below;
Summer may be over – but bacteria aren’t as bothered about that as we are. Check your household water is safe, by using one of our self sampling kits or contact us for advice and sampling.
For more information call us on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below;
https://envirochem.co.uk/shop/products
Envirochem is continuing to provide “business as usual” services for clients from its laboratories in Fareham and Bristol.
The labs will continue to analyse samples on behalf of clients and new customers during the current Covid-19 pandemic. The company will be adapting to any changes as and when the government requires it.
What Services do our laboratories and staff provide;
For more information or to speak to a member of staff please fill out the form below or call on 01329 287 777
Worried about the quality or reliability of results if you need testing? Well here at Envirochem we provide only the highest quality of accurate and professional testing and you can have faith in our results as we are UKAS Accredited. https://envirochem.co.uk/quality
For more information or to get in contact please fill out the form below or call on 01329 287 777.
Business as usual for asbestos, chemical and microbiological testing.
Envirochem is continuing to provide “business as usual” services for clients from its laboratories in Fareham and Bristol.
The labs will continue to analyse samples on behalf of clients and new customers during the current Covid-19 pandemic. The company will be adapting to any changes as and when the government requires it.
The laboratories are continuing to test for:
We are continuing to sell self-sampling kits for people who may be considering doing some work at home or at another location during the current pandemic.
The self sampling kits cover test packs for:
Details of all the analysis and tests that can be carried out at the Envirochem laboratories can be found on our website – envirochem.co.uk
Engineered water systems carry a risk of legionella which can be fatal. Here’s how we tested the water at the University of Southampton to ensure it was safe:
A Legionella risk assessment survey is an examination of the potential risks presented by engineered water systems, and seeks to identify and prevent the risks of exposure to Legionella bacteria from work activities and water systems.
We visited the university premises before they were open to the students in order to avoid any disruption.
We carried out the legionella risk assessment by taking Legionella and TVC samples, as well as temperature measurements to have a better understanding of the water quality. TVC analysis is required to simulate the potential threat the water could pose if ingested.
On completion of the analysis, the results were interpreted and the relevant advice was given to the Facilities Manager.
For more information please fill out the form below;
Owners of swimming pools and hot tubs are creating a breeding ground for bacteria that could cause serious illness and infection by not maintaining them properly, scientists in Hampshire have revealed.
The growing trend for domestic hot tubs fuelled by popular TV programmes such as Love Island is increasing the risk of people picking up serious illnesses from a soup of bacteria swirling about in the water.
Microbiologists at the Envirochem laboratory in Fareham have discovered a stomach-churning potpourri of bacteria in recent tests that suggest the messages about maintenance are not getting through to owners.
Nineteen recent inspections of water quality in hot tubs and pools have failed the basic health tests. Bacteria found in the water has included:
Inspections of both commercial and domestic pools and hot tubs have revealed the water-borne bacteria. This is despite manufacturers and companies providing instructions on how to maintain their facilities appropriately.
Head of Microbiology at Broadcut-based Envirochem, Dr Duncan Russell, said: “Infectious agents can be easily introduced to a spa pool by bathers, from dirt entering the pool or from the water source itself. Once in the spa pool, conditions often exist for these infectious agents to grow and proliferate.
“The Code of Practice for swimming pool water from the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group sets out how the technical operation of the pool should function for safe and successful swimming pool water.
“Swimming pool water should be micro biologically tested monthly to monitor for the presence of potentially harmful micro-organisms.
“The wide availability of home testing kits for water quality makes it much easier today for individuals to ensure their hot tubs and swimming pools are as clean as they should be, keeping the risk of illness and infection to a minimum.”
Please feel free to contact us on live chat or via the form below;
If you’re a landlord or a homeowner, a long weekend often means extra time for DIY projects you’ve been meaning to start. Before you do – there are a few things we recommend you check. We’ve compiled a handy checklist of some things to look out for so you can ensure your property is fit for renovation.
1.) Asbestos
What is it?
Until the late 20th century, asbestos was widely used in building projects – particularly for insulation. The dust created by damaging asbestos can be extremely harmful, and has been known to cause cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Where is it?
While asbestos regulations started to improve in the mid-80’s, a fully-fledged ban was not introduced in the UK until 2009. If your house was built before this time, asbestos may have been used in its initial build – from insulation in the loft and interior walls to the floors and ceilings.
How can we help?
If you suspect there is asbestos in your property, it is important to test for its presence before damaging it – by drilling into it, ripping it out, or even hammering a nail into it. We provide self-test kits so you can safely and easily test for asbestos. Alternatively, our team of expert scientists are also available for call-outs.
2.) Lead and arsenic in paint
What is it?
Lead and arsenic are substances that were commonly found in paint before their dangers were realised. Lead was popular because it helped accelerate the paint drying process – however, exposure to lead dust was found to cause abdominal pain, headaches and memory problems, among other issues. Arsenic was commonly found in a shade known as ‘Scheele’s Green’, but it was later found to cause arsenic poisoning, which can lead to vomiting and abdominal pain.
Where is it?
Any paint containing lead or arsenic that has chipped off or been scratched can release harmful dust. This can be both inside and outside your house, on skirting boards, in soil and other places.
How can we help?
There is no sure-fire way to know if paint contains lead or arsenic without testing for it. Our self-test kits enable you to test for the substances. If you suspect the paint in your home could be harmful, testing it is always the safest option. We can get results back to you in as little as three days.
3.) Harmful bacteria in water and water systems
What is it?
Water can be home to a number of harmful bacteria – this includes Legionella, which causes a form of pneumonia called Legionnaires disease.
Where is it?
Legionella lives in water – and thrives in temperatures between 20 and 60 degrees celsius. This makes places like dishwashers, hot tubs, pools and domestic water systems the perfect environment for Legionella to lurk.
How can we help?
Regularly testing the water systems in your property can help you ensure you or your tenants are not being exposed to Legionella. Our self-test kits can find the bacteria, as well as help you identify a leak source, and find the cause of corrosion.
4.) Indoor air quality
What is it?
During home renovations, you are exposed to a number of harmful substances that stay in the air you breathe every day.
Where is it?
Products like paints and varnishes, cleaning agents, and glues can contaminate the air and become a health hazard. Over-exposure to these can lead to headaches, dizziness and nausea.
How can we help?
Our indoor air quality tests help ensure the exposure levels are safe for anyone working or living in the environment. The self-test kit includes detailed and easy-to follow instructions.
Envirochem recommends testing your home before making any DIY decision or starting a renovation project. If for any reason you would prefer for a member of the team to visit the site and carry out tests, you can get in touch with us via the contact form below.
A growing trend for natural and chemical-free pools was brought into sharp focus this week when the neighbours of the nation’s favourite musician Ed Sheeran said they were worried his new pond could double as a swimming pool.
Here at Envirochem we have noticed a growing trend for these natural swimming pools – a garden pond with plants to oxygenate the water and keep it clean enough to swim in. No need for chlorine or other potentially harmful chemicals.
In Ed Sheeran’s original planning application for the pool on his estate in Suffolk, it was described as supporting ‘nature conservation’, however, some of the star’s neighbours have said they are worried it could be used for wild parties, swimming and other recreational activities.
The neighbours might be worried about loud noise from late night parties. But Ed might have other things to be worried about if he was thinking of swimming in his natural pool.
What are natural pools?
Natural pools are becoming increasingly popular – perhaps most commonly owned by the rich and famous. They tend to blend into outdoor environments better than a traditional pool, and use plants in place of chemicals for cleaning purposes. Water filters through the plants, as well as enabling an ecosystem to exist within the pool.
Sounds like a good idea, right?
What’s the problem?
Without proper filtration and regular cleaning, pools like these can become home to harmful legionella, which regularly occurs in natural water sources. Legionella is a bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease – a lung infection caused by inhaling the bacteria. Symptoms can range from severe chest pain to high temperatures.
What should I do if I’m concerned?
If you are concerned about the water quality of a natural pool, we sell self-test kits so you can quickly, safely and easily test for the presence of legionella. Purchase yours here, or get in touch with a member of the Envirochem team today.
Or fill out the form below for more information;
We’re seeing a rise in home-made pools – from storage containers to natural eco-pools – but did you know these kinds of environments can be home to harmful legionella and other bacteria? Our self-test kits can help you detect it and stay safe!
For more information or to make an enquiry please fill out the form below or live chat one of our team;
