Testing for dioxins
The substances popularly known as 'dioxins' include a number of chlorinated dioxins, dibenzofurans and dioxin-like PCBs. These substances are produced as by-products of a number of industrial processes as well as some natural processes such as bushfire. Although usually only present in very small quantities, dioxins are toxic and very persistent in the environment.
Although there are a number of substances involved, dioxin concentration is usually expressed as 'toxic equivalents' (TEQ), which is the figure needed for risk assessment.
NSW DPI offers a testing service for dioxins, dibenzofurans and dioxin-like PCBs using the DR-CALUX® technology developed by BioDetection Systems in the Netherlands. This technology measures TEQ directly and is widely used by government laboratories in Europe. This method is much faster and cheaper than the alternatives, and NSW DPI is the only licensed provider of this technology in Australia.
Our laboratories routinely analyse for dioxins in seafoods, soils and sediments down to picograms/gram (pg/g) concentrations.
For information on testing, pricing and turnaround times, please call our Customer Service Unit on (02) 6626 1103.
Feedback
Your feedback is always welcome. Our laboratories operate to ISO 17025 standard, and we will respond to all comments or criticisms of our service.
Email: wollongbar.csu@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Useful links
- BioDetection Systems www.biodetectionsystems.com
- Papers from Dioxin2006 at Oslo www.biodetectionsystems.com/news010906_1.html