Chemical Testing on Wood Products

The most common concerns regarding wood and wood based products is the use of treatments such as pesticides and flame retardants.

Although the use of pesticides has many advantageous effects, there are also many drawbacks concerning the potential to affect human health as well as the environment. Pesticides may cause acute and delayed health effects in those who are exposed. Pesticide exposure can cause a variety of adverse health effects ranging from simple irritation of the skin and eyes to more severe effects; certain pesticides are known to be CMR’s (carcinogens, mutagens, and toxic to reproduction). In addition to this a large volume of pesticides are categorised as PBTs (persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic), and vPvBs (very persistent, very bioaccumulative) making them an increasing risk to the environment.

Whereas flame retardants, which are used to inhibit or resist the spread of fire, have been causing concern as recent reports have indicated that exposure to low concentrations of these chemicals may result in irreparable damage to the nervous and reproductive systems.

Due the use of toxic chemicals in the production or finishing of wood and wood based materials, chemical testing is the only way to ensure compliance with legislations such as REACH under which these chemicals are restricted.

Eurofins | BLC offer the following chemical tests and analysis for wood or wooden products:

  • DMF
  • Mercury testing
  • Organotins
  • Pesticides
  • Proposition 65 Screen
  • PAH
  • REACH Screen
  • Flammability
  • Formaldehyde

Why choose Eurofins | BLC to conduct your chemical testing and analysis?

  • One of the fastest testing laboratories in Europe
  • Experts in chemical testing and compliance – over 90 years experience
  • Technical support and guidance if and when failures occur
  • Solutions to cleanse and reduce toxic chemicals from your supply chain
  • Expert advice and solutions on legislation and supply chain compliance
  • Access to chemical supply chain specifications