What we should know

Needed material: 10ml Heparin blood

According to the German Federal Environmental Agency, PAHs are produced by the incomplete combustion of organic material such as wood, coal or oil, as well as in small combustion plants, by industrial processes, open fireplaces or tobacco smoke. In addition, this group of substances is a natural component raw fossil materials such as coal and petroleum. Tar oils and certain oils from petroleum processing may be mixed with softening rubber and plastics. The largest proportion of PAHs reaching the consumer comes from these uses. Whether in mouse pads, toys or bathing shoes - "Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons" (PAH) are omnipresent.

Many PAHs have carcinogenic, mutagenic and / or reproduction affecting properties (Crone and Tolstoy, 2010). Some PAHs are simultaneously persistent, bioaccumulating and toxic to humans and other organisms. Substances that combine these properties are particularly dangerous.

Testing includes up to seven polycyclic aromatics.

• Acenaphthylene
• Fluoranthene
• Benzo(a)pyrene
• Benzo(b)fluoranthene
• Benzo(k)fluoranthene
• Benzo(ghi)perylene
• Indeno[1,2,3-c, d]pyrene

Testing includes: Dichloromethane, Tetrachloroethane, Tetrachloromethane, Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene

Needed material: 5ml EDTA blood

These are widely used as paint stripping and degreasing solvents.

High prenatal exposure to PAHs is associated with lower IQ and childhood asthma (Health Day News, Jul 20, 2009).

Plastic is used widely in today's industry and households. 

Plastic waste accumulates in ecosystems, with less than 10% of all plastic ever produced being recycled globally.  Since the 1950s, production has surged to over 450 million tonnes annually, resulting in 79% of total plastic ending up in landfills or leaking into the natural environment. 

The persistence of plastic leads to fragmentation into microplastics and nanoplastics, which contaminate soil, freshwater, oceans, marine life, wildlife and humans, Approximately 1 to 2 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans each year, with low- to middle-income countries contributing the most due to limited waste management infrastructure rather than higher per-capita consumption. 

Wildlife Harm: Over 1,500 marine and terrestrial species ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, leading to injury and death. 

More Info: https://idw-online.de/en/news871057

Needed material: 30ml Urine

Tested is Methylhippuric acid, metabolite of Xylene.

Xylene is a solved widely used in glues and plastics. Exposure through inhalation or the skin causes headaches, memory and disorientation problems, and breathing problems. Overexposure produces among other problems central nervous system disorders, irritation of eye and skin.

Needed material: 5ml EDTA Blood

Benzol or benzene (C₆H₆), Ethyl benzene or Toluene are widely used solvents in glues, paints, furniture wax and detergents. Exposure mainly happens through breathing, and exposure limits have been set. Benzene has serious side effects and is now classified carcinogenic.

Needed Material: 5ml EDTA Blood

Tested are: 1-Butanol, 2-Butanol, i-Butanol, Ethanol, Ethyl acetate, Isobutyl acetate, Methanol, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK), 1-Propanol, 2-Propanol.

These common solvents are widely used as cleaners and varnish removers, in paints, perfumes and even to decaffeinate coffee beans and tea. They are used in industry and many consumer products.

Download Sample Submission Sheet for organic solvent testing in blood, fill out and send with sample. Regular mail or air mail is sufficient. Freezing is not needed, but make sure sample is adequately protected to prevent breakage.