The Built Environment, what we can offer:

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Envirochem provide a variety of analytical tests for health hazards that may be present within residential and commercial properties.

Our most common tests include:

+ Anthrax in plaster

+ Lead in paint

+ Arsenic in paint and wallpaper

+ Unknown material identification

Envirochem are always working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people, and to preserve the environment for generations to come.

For more information please call on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below;

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Arsenic in Paint

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Why test for Arsenic in paint?

We offer a variety of analyses for the Built Environment where sensitivity is required in understanding the composition and nature of various substances. One such substance is Arsenic in paint.

Paint and wallpaper containing arsenic that becomes damp, can be metabolised to a volatile form of arsenic called arsene. This arsene can then be inhaled by the occupants of the building. Even if concentrations are low, prolonged exposure can lead to arsenic bio-accumulating in the body and subsequent sickness. 

A previous job we carried out was for owners of a hotel who were experiencing a range of health issues months after a flood. Envirochem found the classic green Victorian wall paper in some rooms and behind a wardrobe, which was still damp, with mould growing on the wall paper. Hospital tests found elevated levels of arsenic in the two hotel owners.

What we can offer:

The method of analysis for arsenic in paint is analogous to our UKAS accredited method for lead and chromium in paint and our mCERTS method for Ascenic in Soil.

If you would like testing or have us attend site to take samples for you get in contact today on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below.

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Analysis for the Built Environment

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What is analysis in the Built Environment:

We offer a variety of analyses for the Built Environment where sensitivity is required in understanding the composition and nature of various substances.

For example, lead, arsenic and other metals in paint, anthrax or gypsum in plaster, mould and more.

Why test:

Many substances in the built environment can cause serious harm if they are disturbed and you are exposed to them. For example:

Lead in paint if breathed in or ingested can lead to changes in your blood and have effects on your nervous system and kidneys.

Anthrax is a potentially fatal infection caused by Bacillus anthracis that is transmitted from animals to humans. In the built environment one of the main sources of anthrax risk is horsehair plaster, typically found in older buildings, and usually pre-dates the 1950’s.

Paint and wallpaper containing arsenic that becomes damp, can be metabolised to a volatile form of arsenic called arsene. This arsene can then be inhaled by the occupants of the building. Even if concentrations are low, prolonged exposure can lead to arsenic bio-accumulating in the body and subsequent sickness. 

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and other similar gases in insulating foams are ozone layer depleting substances, which is one of the driving causes of climate change. Many of these substances are banned or are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol because of how damaging they are to the ozone layer.

Who should test:

Depending on what you are testing for, below is a few examples of who might require testing:

  • Demolition workers
  • Building contractors
  • Anyone carrying out refurbishment works
  • Individuals doing DIY
  • Anyone concerned about mould growth
  • Insulators or Insulation removers

What we can offer:

Envirochem can offer a range of testing including:

  • UKAS accredited Lead and Chromium in paint testing
  • Arsenic in paint and wallpaper testing
  • Anthrax or gypsum in plaster
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in foam and polystyrene
  • Mould analysis
  • Tests for over 30 metals in paint

We can also attend site and sample for you or alternatively we offer self-sampling kits for you to sample yourself to send to us for analysis.

For more information call us on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below:

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Hi-tech machines and instrumentation

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Here at Envirochem, we have a wide range of Hi-tech machines and instrumentation, and use the most up to date scientific techniques.

 

This allows us to offer the best possible services, fast turnaround times and a large selection of testing and analysis options.

 

For more information and how we can help you call us on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below;

 

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FREE initial quote upon request for all our services.

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We will provide a FREE initial quote upon request for all our services. For a UKAS accredited, professional and expert opinion – call us today.#abestos #watertesting #chemicaltesting #legionella #occupationhygiene #microbiology ow.ly/qaOQ50zdFAa

Or for more information please fill out the form below;

 

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Wallpaper or paint testing for arsenic content

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Occasionally at Envirochem we get requests to test wallpaper or paint for arsenic content.

Some Victorian properties still contain wallpapers with the specific dark blue/green colour or pattern called Scheele’s green. When in-situ and in good condition it does not pose a health threat. In this way it is similar to lead containing paints – when they are in good condition or have been painted over with a new paint there is only a small risk, with the largest uptake routes being dust via hand-to-mouth and accidental consumption of flakes or chipped paint. But when the surface starts to break down there is the potential for lead containing dust to be released, disturbed and inhaled.

However, with arsenic containing wall papers there is an additional and interesting effect. If the paint or wall paper becomes damp, then a specific type of mould can grow on the wall paper that can metabolise the arsenic in to a volatile form of arsenic called arsene. This arsene gas can then be inhaled by the occupants. Even if concentrations are low, prolonged exposure can lead to arsenic bio-accumulating in the body. It was this that is believed to have contributed to the death of Napoleon when imprisoned on the island of Elba.

We have had an example when owners of a hotel were experiencing a range of health issues months after a flood. Envirochem found the classic green Victorian wall paper in some rooms and behind a wardrobe, which was still damp, and mould was growing on the wall paper. Hospital tests found elevated levels of arsenic in the two hotel owners.

The method of analysis for arsenic in paint is analogous to our recently UKAS accredited method for lead and chromium in paint.

For more on this service or for all our services please contact us on 01329 287 777 or fill out the form below;

 

Contact Envirochem now
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Arsenic in Paint and Wallpaper

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Occasionally we get requested to test wallpaper or paint for arsenic content.

Some Victorian properties still contain wallpapers with a the specific dark blue/green colour or pattern called Scheele’s green. When in-situ and in good condition it does not pose a health threat. In this way it is similar to lead containing paints – when they are in good condition or over painted with new paint there is little risk unless you have small children keen on chewing the skirting board. But when the surface starts to break down there is the potential for lead containing dust to be released, disturbed and inhaled.

However, with arsenic containing wall papers there is an additional and interesting effect. If the paint or wall paper becomes damp, then a mould can grow on the wall paper that can metabolise the arsenic in to a volatile form of arsenic called arsene. This arsene can then be inhaled by the occupants. Even if concentrations are low, prolonged exposure can lead to arsenic bio-accumulating in the body. It was this that is believed to have contributed to the death of Napoleon when imprisoned on the island of Elba.

We have had a example when owners of a hotel were experiencing a range of health issues months after a flood. Envirochem found the classic green Victorian wall paper in some rooms and behind a wardrobe it was still damp and mould was growing on the wall paper. Hospital tests found elevated levels of arsenic in the two hotel owners.

The method of analysis for arsenic in paint is analogous to our recently UKAS accredited method for lead and chromium in paint.

Somerset soil contaminated with Lead, Zinc and Arsenic

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Residential gardens as well as agricultural land, in the Mendip area of Somerset, have been tested for Lead. The results showed lead contamination at levels over 40 times the level considered dangerous to humans (56,000mg/kg being found in agricultural land).    The main risk to local residents is through exposure to dust from the soil and the consumption of local chicken eggs. Local live stock have been affected with 20 cattle dying from lead poisoning.

Remediation in the form of ‘capping’ has begun, with four properties being decontaminated.

For the full story click here

Envirochem’s chemical department offer a wide array of soil analysis, if you would like to enquire please fill in the form below.

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Plans to Develop a Cycle Track in Kearsley Contested Due to Contaminated Land

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The development of unused land in Kearsley into a new cycle track was met with controversy as it emerged that the land is an old landfill site, contaminated with many toxic chemicals and materials  including copper, zinc, arsenic, lead and asbestos.

Residents claim that those local to the area are aware of the dangers of the sites and that the land is best left alone. However a member of the council’s cabinet for the environment has stated that the land would only be developed after a contamination expert had visited the site to clean the site. He also pointed out that it is common practice to develop on old contaminated lands, after appropriate remediation.

For the full story click here

Envirochem offer testing for many contaminants, if you would like to enquire please fill in the attached form.

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