Heavy Metals Testing and Analysis

Eurofins | BLC heavy metals testing services

Eurofins | BLC can test for common heavy metals and their compounds in products including:

• Lead
• Cadmium
• Mercury
• Nickel
• Chromium 3 and chromium 6

Get a quote for heavy metals testing

 

Eurofins | BLC can also test for other heavy metals including:

• Aluminium
• Antimony
• Arsenic
• Barium
• Boron
• Cobalt
• Copper
• Manganese
• Selenium
• Strontium
• Tin
• Organic Tin
• Zinc

Eurofins | BLC are specialists in heavy metals testing and analysis and provide heavy testing on various consumer products and samples including:

• Paint
• Jewellery and watches
• Leathergoods
• Textiles
• Clothing and apparel
• Upholstery covers
• Footwear

What are heavy metals?

The chemical definition of a heavy metal is a chemical element with a specific gravity that is at least 5 times the specific gravity of water. Examples of heavy metals include cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel, zinc and many more. Heavy metals are commonly used in industrial applications such as in the manufacture of pesticides, batteries, alloys, electroplated metal parts, textile dyes, steel, and so forth.

Why carry out heavy metals testing and analysis?

Interestingly, small background levels of these elements are common in the environment but large amounts of any of them may cause acute or chronic toxicity (poisoning). This is why regular heavy metals testing and analysis especially within industry is so important.

Heavy metal toxicity can result in damaged or reduced mental and central nervous function, lower energy levels, and damage to blood composition, lungs, kidneys, liver, and other vital organs. Long-term exposure may result in slowly progressing physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes that mimic Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. Allergies are not uncommon and repeated long-term contact with some metals or their compounds may even cause cancer.

Global legislation for heavy metals

Heavy metals are the most commonly legislated chemicals globally.

The combination of the large number of available heavy metals and their toxic affects coupled with the vast array of uses for these metals has amounted to a number of different EU and international legislations which attempt to control and restrict their uses. Among these are REACH regulations, the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH), California Proposition 65, and metal specific directives such as nickel regulation which now sits under REACH. EN71, a European standard governing the safety of toys where Part 3 of the regulations covers the migration of elements, is fast becoming the standard to be used for heavy metal safety and assurance for consumer products including leather and leather-based products.

In addition to this heavy metals are regulated under CPSIA which sets restrictions for lead in paint and substrate.

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