Dioxins, furans, polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are organic chemical substances that are a serious, global threat to human health and ecosystems.

Dioxins and furans

Dioxins and furans are POP by-products of industrial processes involving chlorine such as:

• waste incineration
• chemical and pesticide manufacturing
• smelting
• pulp and paper bleaching

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

PCBs are commercially produced and used in industrial applications including:

• insulating fluids or resins in transformers and capacitors
• heat transfer fluids
• hydraulic fluids
• solvent extenders
• flame retardants
• dielectric fluids

Despite Australia banning the production or importing of PCBs in the late 1970s they still persist widely in the environment.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)

PBDEs are brominated flame retardants produced in three commercial formulations based on the amount of bromination in the mixture. 

PBDEs are usually not chemically bound to consumer products and are released to the environment through:

• indoor air
• household dust
• and during e-waste and textile recycling

Once in the environment, PBDEs bioaccumulate in the food chain and can be detected in humans.

Why choose us

The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is Australia’s peak measurement body and offers:

• personalised service
• dedicated state-of-the-art instruments to reduce the risk of contamination
• technical expertise as a leader in the Australian analytical market 
• support to trade and industry, environment and public health sectors
• competitive pricing
• full analytical reports tailored to meet your requirements 

We have National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation for:

Dioxins & dioxin-like PCBs in

• emissions from stationary sources, ambient air, and fly ash
• potable, drinking, ground, and saline waters
• mineral oils and silicate materials
• sediments, soils, sewage, and trade wastes
• milk and dairy products
• meat and meat products
• fat, fish, and food oils

PBDEs in

• potable, drinking, ground, and saline waters
• sediments, soils, and bio solids
• animal feeds
• milk and dairy products, eggs and egg products
• animal tissue, meat and meat products
• fat, fish, and shellfish
• cereal, grains, food oils, and vegetation

Our service

We analyse dioxins, furans, PCBs, PBDEs and other POPs in a range of materials at ultra-trace levels.

We can import soil, sludge, sediment, rock, sand, gravel, dust and waters from all countries with approval by the Department of Agriculture.

Turnaround times

Our standard turnaround time is 20-30 days.

We also offer 2, 5 and 10 working day turnaround times where agreed.

Submitting samples 

Find out how to submit your environmental testing samples. 

Request a quote or discuss your requirements 

Contact us for a quote or to discuss how we can tailor our services to meet your analysis requirements. 

• Email customerservice@measurement.gov.au  
• Read our analytical services terms and conditions
• For general enquiries phone: +61 2 9449 0111    

Read more 

See our full list of environmental testing and analysis services.

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Contact us

• Email customerservice@measurement.gov.au  
• For general enquiries or updates on your work order phone 1300 722 845