The Built Environment, what we can offer:

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

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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Wallpaper or paint testing for arsenic content

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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