Dioxins

Dioxins & dioxin like PCB's

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs or Dioxins) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs or Furans) are created as an unintended by-product of a number of human activities like combustion, certain types of chemical manufacture, chlorine bleaching and other industrial processes.

Among the 210 dioxins and furans, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is the dioxin congener with the highest acute toxicity in the group. It is considered the most toxic man-made substance and the fifth most toxic naturally occurring compound known to man.

Dioxins and furans exhibit:

• High toxicity
• High persistence (with difficult degradation)
• Bioaccumulation
• Ubiquity (long range atmosphere transport and deposition)

Sources of dioxins & furans.

Primary sources are industrial and combustion processes, either stationay or diffuse sources. In the past the chemical and the pulp and paper industries were the main dioxins sources. Nowadays thermal processes are the most important sources for dioxins and furans emission. Secondary sources of PCDD/F include sewage sludge, biosludge, compost, pentachlorophenol treated wood, PCBs from transformers, contaminated chemical products such as 2,4,5-T and contaminated areas. They are reservoirs with possible release of dioxins and furans to the environment.

Process of formation of dioxins during incineration

• PCDD/F are already present in the incoming waste
• PCDD/F are formed from chlorinated precusrsors (PCP, PCB, Chlorinated benzenes
• PCDD/F are formed via de novo synthesis

Professional services from our high specification laboratories

Professionals running projects requiring dioxin and POP’s (Persistent Organic Pollutants) testing are faced with numerous possibilities and challenges. When it comes to the testing phase, we at ALS believe that it is our role to provide convenient solutions. Having the option to choose from an extensive list of analytical standards for dioxin testing and flexible reporting formats is something we believe adds value. Our experienced staff will be available to assist clients in delivering a product that meets the demands from both authorities and end clients in a timely and professional manner.

For POP’s testing there is an extensive list of parameters to consider. Unlike dioxin testing where there is a clearly defined scope, POP’s testing and choice of parameters normally requires combining individual compounds into a testing suite. The comprehensive testing portfolio offered by ALS, including all compounds added to the list of POP’s under the Stockholm convention, enable tailor made solutions for specific projects increasing the likelihood of meeting project dead-lines and budgets.