Unmasking Microplastics, Decoding PFAS, and Ensuring Product Safety
This month, we've been pushing the boundaries of environmental science to bring you cutting-edge solutions for today's most pressing challenges. From pioneering new methods for microplastics testing in diverse samples to expert insights on PFAS regulations and crucial guidance for product safety, we're committed to helping you navigate the complexities of environmental compliance and risk management.
Let's dive into the highlights!
🌎 Beyond Drinking Water: Eurofins Pioneers Microplastics Testing Across Diverse Samples
At Eurofins Environment Testing, we’ve taken California’s official method for microplastics in drinking water—a method we’re ELAP-accredited for—and used it as a foundation to build out protocols for other complex sample types, including food, packaging, and environmental samples. Since most of these matrices don’t yet have standardized methods, we apply the same QA/QC framework while tailoring sample preparation and analysis workflows. Our approach blends regulatory alignment with informed adaptations grounded in scientific and industry practices.
Two projects that highlight this approach: one looked at fresh berries sold in plastic clamshell containers to see if particles were embedded within the fruit. Through our lab’s sample processing and analysis, we detected multiple plastic polymers—pointing to potential migration beyond surface contamination. In another case, we analyzed fleece marketed as being made of natural fibers to check for the presence of synthetics. Using our adapted testing process, we were able to verify the material’s composition.
More recently, we’ve seen increasing interest from state-level regulators who are exploring how to monitor microplastics in surface waters—like lakes, streams, and stormwater systems. Many are in the early stages of establishing baseline data and long-term monitoring plans. At the same time, there’s been a clear shift in consumer awareness around microplastics, which is driving more companies to get ahead of the curve. We’re seeing manufacturers, retailers, and ingredient suppliers proactively seek out testing—not just to meet future regulations, but to do their due diligence and understand their materials better. It’s a promising shift where science, policy, and market pressure are starting to align.
- Authored by Bijan Jafari, Microplastics Department Manager
♻️ Is Your Packaging a Hidden Risk? Uncovering Chemical Leaching with E&L Testing
Your product's safety and your brand's reputation are non-negotiable. But have you considered a silent threat: chemical leaching from packaging? This unseen risk can compromise food, drinks, medications, and medical devices, as chemicals migrate from packaging into your products.
Common packaging materials can harbor harmful substances like PFAS, BPA, heavy metals, and phthalates. Their presence, even in trace amounts, can lead to failed quality standards and erode consumer trust.
This is where Extractables & Leachables (E&L) testing becomes essential. Eurofins Drinking Water Testing, with 40 years of expertise, specializes in uncovering these hidden dangers. Our E&L testing helps you guarantee product safety by identifying harmful chemicals, nail quality standards by ensuring regulatory compliance, and boost brand trust by demonstrating a commitment to safety. We provide fast, reliable insights for materials like PET and other plastics, ensuring your packaging matters for both safety and quality.
💧 Advocating for Water: Eurofins Environment Testing Joins Push for MyPlate Icon
We're proud to champion public health initiatives that highlight the critical role of water. On June 4th, our own Rachelle Arada, Account Manager, alongside Dr. Andy Eaton, a leader in the drinking water industry, participated in the International Bottled Water Association's annual Hill Day on Capitol Hill.
Their mission? To advocate for a simple yet powerful update to MyPlate, the U.S. government's key nutrition graphic: adding a dedicated water icon. This change would emphasize water's essential place in a balanced diet, putting its importance front and center in health discussions.
At Eurofins Environment Testing, our core mission of ensuring water quality and safety perfectly aligns with this initiative. We're honored to support efforts that elevate water to its rightful position as a cornerstone of good health.
✅Celebrating Accreditation: Recognizing Excellence in Laboratory Performance
We were thrilled to see the recent recognition from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) for the 2025 Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP) Awards. This acknowledgment highlights the dedication and expertise within our industry.
A massive congratulations again to all the deserving recipients. We extend a special shout-out to our very own Eurofins Built Environment Testing expert, Frank Ehrenfeld, for his outstanding achievement! His recognition underscores the commitment to excellence that we uphold at Eurofins.
🔬 Staying Ahead: Navigating EPA Fenceline Monitoring Requirements with Eurofins Environment Testing
For refineries and chemical manufacturing facilities, meeting the latest EPA fenceline monitoring regulations is critical. Are you prepared for the NESHAP rules, including the Refinery Sector Rule and 2024 HON Rule updates?
Eurofins Environment Testing offers comprehensive solutions to ensure your compliance. Our expert team provides accurate data, fast turnaround, and vital regulatory insight. Whether you're starting a new program or scaling an existing one, we provide everything you need to monitor, report, and respond with confidence.
Our services align with key standards like EPA Method 325A/325B for benzene and VOCs, and EPA Method 327 for ethylene oxide and vinyl chloride. We also support 40 CFR Part 63 reporting. With nationwide coverage, Eurofins delivers scalable, reliable solutions to meet regulatory deadlines and performance objectives.
Don't let complex regulations lead to noncompliance. Let Eurofins be your trusted partner.
🏭 Unmasking Hidden PFAS Emissions: The Power of OTM-50 Testing
For facilities destroying or thermally treating PFAS, ensuring complete elimination is crucial. Even with advanced systems, volatile fluorinated compounds (VFCs) can escape. This is where EPA Other Test Method 50 (OTM-50) is critical.
OTM-50 is the gold standard for monitoring VFCs in air emissions, especially from incomplete PFAS destruction. It detects lower-molecular-weight fluorinated byproducts that often go unnoticed, verifying destruction efficiency and ensuring compliance with EPA guidance.
Eurofins Environment Testing was a key partner in OTM-50's development. We provide precise data on 30 VFCs, with expert support from planning to meticulous data quality. Ideal for thermal treatment facilities and DRE evaluation, Eurofins also offers modified methods for diverse applications beyond stack testing.
🆘 When Disaster Strikes: Eurofins Environment Testing’s Nationwide Incident Response Program
When unforeseen environmental incidents strike, quick and accurate data are essential. Our Nationwide Incident Response Program provides the critical environmental testing support needed during emergencies and unplanned chemical releases.
We understand that every second counts. Our program offers scalable, flexible, and adaptable testing services, backed by 24/7/365 access to our dedicated Response Team. With strategically located facilities across the nation, we ensure swift logistical support wherever you are. You'll have a single point of contact for seamless coordination, planning, and data delivery.
We provide comprehensive environmental testing for water, soil, sediment, and air, with unmatched capacity for rush turnaround times. Plus, real-time online data access is available to aid in rapid decision-making.
When an incident demands immediate action and reliable environmental chemistry data, we are your trusted partner.
🦠 Understanding Legionella: Testing, Management, and Public Health
Legionella bacteria, an opportunistic premise plumbing pathogen (OPPP) commonly found in building water systems, particularly in stagnant water, poses a growing public health concern. Inhalation of contaminated water droplets can lead to Legionnaires disease, a serious form of pneumonia, or Pontiac fever, a milder flu-like illness. Proactive Legionella testing is critical for protecting public health, mitigating liability, and ensuring compliance with water management plans aligned with ASHRAE 188 and CDC guidelines. Most Legionnaires disease outbreaks are preventable through effective water system management, as emphasized by ASHRAE 188, a standard increasingly required by regulators.
At Eurofins Built Environment Testing, we offer comprehensive Legionella testing services, including culture-based testing (ISO 11731, CDC, and IDEXX Legiolert®) for robust detection, and qPCR for rapid results. Whether you need routine monitoring, risk assessment, or compliance support, our solutions are tailored to help you manage Legionella risk effectively. An emerging best practice is rapid qPCR screening followed by culture confirmation for positives, combining speed with reliability. Our testing services empower you with timely, accurate data and expert insight to support water safety and public health while staying ahead of potential risks.
- Authored by Dr. Kamash Pillai, Eurofins Built Environment Testing Regional Vice President
💬 Ask the Expert: Uncovering Indoor Air Quality Insights with Dr. Kamash Pillai
In the dynamic field of environmental science, staying ahead of advancements in indoor air quality, mold, and asbestos testing is paramount. What truly elevates understanding, however, is the wisdom gained from decades of hands-on expertise. We recently had the privilege of sitting down with our own Dr. Kamash Pillai, Regional Vice President for Eurofins Built Environment Testing, for an insightful "Ask the Expert" Q&A.
Dr. Pillai, whose distinguished career spans over 20 years, holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry. In his role, he oversees our nationwide Mold and Asbestos laboratories, serving as a pivotal technical authority in his domain.
During our conversation, Dr. Pillai shared invaluable insights into the latest advancements in environmental testing, shed light on emerging challenges posed by biological contaminants, and offered crucial advice to clarify common misconceptions surrounding indoor air quality. This interview provides a unique opportunity to glean knowledge directly from a leading mind in the industry.
We invite you to delve deeper into this compelling discussion.
💡 Learning to Lead
This year, we launched our newest leadership development course, "Learning to Lead," designed specifically for first-time leaders, supervisors, and group leaders. This high-energy event provides new and up-and-coming leaders with the skills they need to transition from individual contributors to a leaders in an interactive environment, where they can both learn and share experiences.
Enthusiasm in these events was high, leaving leaders feeling energized and committed to growing their teams. Attendees didn't just learn fundamental leadership skills; they shared invaluable experiences, forged new connections, and explored our labs on engaging tours. The passion for growth was truly inspiring.
Learning to Lead perfectly complements our existing workshops for senior leaders, now completing our full suite of three distinct offerings. In over six days and three cities, we connected with a record 171 rising leaders from Eurofins Environment Testing and Eurofins Built Environment Testing for an unforgettable experience for all.
- Authored by Fiona Middleton, Talent Learning & Development Director
💻 Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming July Webinars!
Want to dive deeper into key environmental topics with our experts? Join us for our upcoming live webinars in July. For more webinar information please visit our website.