Environmental Business Journal® (EBJ), a business research publication, which provides high value strategic business intelligence to the environmental industry*, has honored 50 companies for revenue growth, acquisitions, innovative project designs, technology applications, new practice areas, social contributions and industry leadership in 2011.
TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc. is pleased to announce that it was chosen to receive the EBJ award for Industry Leadership.
"In what is widely regarded as a stable market, a number of companies exceeded the norms of low single-digit growth with double-digit growth or ambitious ventures into new practice areas or technology development," said Grant Ferrier, president of Environmental Business International Inc. (EBI, San Diego), publisher of Environmental Business Journal.
TestAmerica was recognized for the Ask the Expert Webinar Series, which is designed to provide a forum to share technical expertise with the environmental community and to enhance the knowledge and awareness of the participants in understanding these complex laboratory issues. Additional information on this award can be found on the Environmental Business Journal website.
The 2011 EBJ awards will be presented at a special ceremony at the Environmental Industry Summit X in Coronado, Calif. on March 14-16, 2012. The Environmental Industry Summit is an annual three-day event hosted by EBI Inc.
* Environmental Business Journal provides strategic information and market forecasts for executives involved in 14 business segments, including environmental remediation, water & wastewater, air pollution control, environmental consulting & engineering, hazardous waste, instrumentation, pollution control equipment, waste management, resource recovery, and solid waste management.
About TestAmerica
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, with over 90 locations providing innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source, ambient and indoor air, water quality and aquatic toxicity, compliance, desalination, shale gas, specialty organics, emergency response, industrial hygiene, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, PPCPs and emerging contaminants, explosives, Federal/DoD, and radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.
TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.
About the EBJ Business Achievement Awards
In October-December 2011, Climate Change Business Journal solicited nominations for the EBJ Business Achievement Awards. Nominations were accepted in 200-word essays in either specific or unspecified categories. Final awards were determined by a committee of EBJ staff and EBJ editorial advisory board members. (Disclaimer: company audits were not conducted to verify information or claims submitted with nominations.)
About EBI
Founded in 1988, Environmental Business International Inc. (EBI, San Diego, Calif.) is a research, publishing and consulting company that specializes in defining emerging markets and generating strategic market intelligence for companies, investors and policymakers. EBI publishes Environmental Business Journal®, the leading provider of strategic information for the environmental industry, and Climate Change Business Journal®, which covers nine segments of the Climate Change Industry. EBI also performs contract research for the government and private sector and founded the Environmental Industry Summit, an annual three-day event for executives in the environmental industry.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Ask The Expert: Evaluating Airborne Thermal Decomposition
Ask the Expert Question:
We are looking at torch-cutting steel cable wrapped in plastic and want to do air monitoring. What is the best way to test? And what kind of test we should do?
TestAmerica Expert: Michael McGee
Expert's Response:
From your inquiry, it appears that you would be interested in evaluating the airborne thermal decomposition products of plastic coating on metal cable and perhaps airborne metals concentrations.
Evaluation of the metals air concentrations would be the most straightforward. The process involves determining the metals composition of the metal portion of the cable and collecting air samples for those metals utilizing NIOSH Method 7300, a capability that TestAmerica offers to analyze air samples.
The measurement of thermal decomposition products from burning plastic is much more challenging. The main issue is that the thermal decomposition products produced depend on quite a number of variables, including the type of plastic and the temperature of the melting or burning plastic. Potentially, a long list of contaminants could be generated, including carbon monoxide, vinyl chloride, hydrogen chloride, a variety of hydrocarbons, particulates and other chemical constituents. The chemical composition of smoke from burning plastic would be expected to vary considerably with the temperature of the plastic, and the temperature of the plastic would vary a great deal over time. For an overview of this issue relating to PVC coatings or material, read NIST's "Toxicity of the Pyrolysis and Combustion Products of Poly (Vinyl Chlorides)."
TestAmerica can analyze air samples for most of the constituents associated with thermal decomposition of plastic material. The challenge is identifying the constituents to measure. For an overview of exposure assessment planning, view Testamerica's webinar presentation on Exposure Assessment Planning.
If the smoke coming off burning plastic is the main concern, then it might be best to avoid burning the plastic by physically cutting away the plastic material from the areas on the cable where the torch will be used to cut the cable. Short of that, it may be possible to utilize local exhaust ventilation to draw away the plastic thermal decomposition products away from the worker utilizing the torch.
We are looking at torch-cutting steel cable wrapped in plastic and want to do air monitoring. What is the best way to test? And what kind of test we should do?
TestAmerica Expert: Michael McGee
Expert's Response:
From your inquiry, it appears that you would be interested in evaluating the airborne thermal decomposition products of plastic coating on metal cable and perhaps airborne metals concentrations.
Evaluation of the metals air concentrations would be the most straightforward. The process involves determining the metals composition of the metal portion of the cable and collecting air samples for those metals utilizing NIOSH Method 7300, a capability that TestAmerica offers to analyze air samples.
The measurement of thermal decomposition products from burning plastic is much more challenging. The main issue is that the thermal decomposition products produced depend on quite a number of variables, including the type of plastic and the temperature of the melting or burning plastic. Potentially, a long list of contaminants could be generated, including carbon monoxide, vinyl chloride, hydrogen chloride, a variety of hydrocarbons, particulates and other chemical constituents. The chemical composition of smoke from burning plastic would be expected to vary considerably with the temperature of the plastic, and the temperature of the plastic would vary a great deal over time. For an overview of this issue relating to PVC coatings or material, read NIST's "Toxicity of the Pyrolysis and Combustion Products of Poly (Vinyl Chlorides)."
TestAmerica can analyze air samples for most of the constituents associated with thermal decomposition of plastic material. The challenge is identifying the constituents to measure. For an overview of exposure assessment planning, view Testamerica's webinar presentation on Exposure Assessment Planning.
If the smoke coming off burning plastic is the main concern, then it might be best to avoid burning the plastic by physically cutting away the plastic material from the areas on the cable where the torch will be used to cut the cable. Short of that, it may be possible to utilize local exhaust ventilation to draw away the plastic thermal decomposition products away from the worker utilizing the torch.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
TestAmerica Introduces TotalAccess 4.0 with Enhanced Reporting and Search Capabilities Built for Speed
TestAmerica announces the launch of TotalAccess 4.0, the most powerful online data management solution in the industry. With enhancement to reporting and search capabilities, and a new architecture design to provide faster data access, TotalAccess 4.0 is an essential tool for all analytical data projects.
TotalAccess 4.0 delivers key improvements to its end-users, surpassing performance requirements and leading-edge technology in the market. The developments in this release include: a dashboard homepage offering access to all documents from one location, enhanced reporting and filtering tools, enabling one click filtering and multi-project consolidated reporting.
Additional enhancements include:
The TotalAccess tool is available to all TestAmerica clients, providing them with secure, 24/7 access to all of their project-related data information. Clients may request a live demonstration by contacting an Account Executive or Project Manager, or can sign up for TotalAccess online.
About TestAmerica
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, with over 90 locations providing innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source, ambient and indoor air, water quality and aquatic toxicity, compliance, desalination, shale gas, specialty organics, emergency response, industrial hygiene, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, PPCPs and emerging contaminants, explosives, Federal/DoD, and radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.
TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.
TotalAccess 4.0 delivers key improvements to its end-users, surpassing performance requirements and leading-edge technology in the market. The developments in this release include: a dashboard homepage offering access to all documents from one location, enhanced reporting and filtering tools, enabling one click filtering and multi-project consolidated reporting.
Additional enhancements include:
- Quicklinks auto-fill search lookups make locating data records a snap,
- Multi-project reporting capabilities available with the trending tools, and
- Expanded regulatory limits comparison function to enable easy clone and customization of individual lists to fit the user’s project.
The TotalAccess tool is available to all TestAmerica clients, providing them with secure, 24/7 access to all of their project-related data information. Clients may request a live demonstration by contacting an Account Executive or Project Manager, or can sign up for TotalAccess online.
About TestAmerica
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, with over 90 locations providing innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source, ambient and indoor air, water quality and aquatic toxicity, compliance, desalination, shale gas, specialty organics, emergency response, industrial hygiene, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, PPCPs and emerging contaminants, explosives, Federal/DoD, and radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.
TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Ask The Expert: Heterotrophic Plate Count Analysis
Ask the Expert Question:
What is the purpose of the Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) analysis and is it a replacement for Total Coliform analysis? What are the action limits for the HPC analysis?
TestAmerica Expert: Alex Spears
Expert's Response:
The purpose of the HPC (heterotrophic plate count) test is to determine the total heterotrophic (environmental) bacteria load present in the water sample, and is not used in lieu of the total coliform test, as the total (and fecal) coliform tests are used in determining the possible presence of pathogens in the water. The EPA action limit for potable (drinking) water is 500 cfu/mL. More information about the EPA guidelines and action limits can be found at http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/index.cfm#3.
What is the purpose of the Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) analysis and is it a replacement for Total Coliform analysis? What are the action limits for the HPC analysis?
TestAmerica Expert: Alex Spears
Expert's Response:
The purpose of the HPC (heterotrophic plate count) test is to determine the total heterotrophic (environmental) bacteria load present in the water sample, and is not used in lieu of the total coliform test, as the total (and fecal) coliform tests are used in determining the possible presence of pathogens in the water. The EPA action limit for potable (drinking) water is 500 cfu/mL. More information about the EPA guidelines and action limits can be found at http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/index.cfm#3.
Friday, November 11, 2011
TestAmerica Indianapolis is the Latest Addition to Midwest Facilities
TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc. announces the opening of a new location, TestAmerica Indianapolis, which will facilitate organizing on-time sample delivery and local access to TestAmerica’s regional laboratories in Valparaiso, IN, Chicago, IL, Dayton, OH, as well as its nationwide network of laboratories for specialty analyses including air, dioxins, sediments and a vast array of analytical capabilities.
TestAmerica Indianapolis offers clients support for sample bottle pick-up and delivery in the Metro Indianapolis area. The staff will coordinate the shipping of samples within TestAmerica’s network of specialty laboratories to meet any client’s analytical needs.
Ms. Melissa Hamer-Bailey has assumed the role as the TestAmerica Indianapolis Manager. Ms. Hamer-Bailey has extensive experience in the environmental testing industry, serving as a professional environmental consultant, Board Member to the Indiana Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals, and Senior Environmental Manager at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), in her previous roles. Ms. Hamer-Bailey has developed applied expertise in the areas of quality assurance, sampling and analysis plan development, risk assessment and management.
“TestAmerica is excited to expand our service and support to the Indianapolis area to provide both new and existing clients more convenient access to our network of analytical offerings. We are also pleased to have Ms. Hamer-Bailey join our team. She brings to TestAmerica her expertise in both the regulatory and consulting aspects of our industry to assist our clients in their project needs,” states TestAmerica’s General Manager of Midwest Operations, Rusty Vicinie.
For additional information on the services available, please contact TestAmerica Indianapolis at (317) 264-9686.
About TestAmerica
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, with over 90 locations providing innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source, ambient and indoor air, water quality and aquatic toxicity, compliance, desalination, shale gas, specialty organics, emergency response, industrial hygiene, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, PPCPs and emerging contaminants, explosives, Federal/DoD, and radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.
TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.
TestAmerica Indianapolis offers clients support for sample bottle pick-up and delivery in the Metro Indianapolis area. The staff will coordinate the shipping of samples within TestAmerica’s network of specialty laboratories to meet any client’s analytical needs.
Ms. Melissa Hamer-Bailey has assumed the role as the TestAmerica Indianapolis Manager. Ms. Hamer-Bailey has extensive experience in the environmental testing industry, serving as a professional environmental consultant, Board Member to the Indiana Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals, and Senior Environmental Manager at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), in her previous roles. Ms. Hamer-Bailey has developed applied expertise in the areas of quality assurance, sampling and analysis plan development, risk assessment and management.
“TestAmerica is excited to expand our service and support to the Indianapolis area to provide both new and existing clients more convenient access to our network of analytical offerings. We are also pleased to have Ms. Hamer-Bailey join our team. She brings to TestAmerica her expertise in both the regulatory and consulting aspects of our industry to assist our clients in their project needs,” states TestAmerica’s General Manager of Midwest Operations, Rusty Vicinie.
For additional information on the services available, please contact TestAmerica Indianapolis at (317) 264-9686.
About TestAmerica
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, with over 90 locations providing innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source, ambient and indoor air, water quality and aquatic toxicity, compliance, desalination, shale gas, specialty organics, emergency response, industrial hygiene, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, PPCPs and emerging contaminants, explosives, Federal/DoD, and radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.
TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Visit TestAmerica at the NEBC's 15th Annual Business & the Environment Conference
November 8-9, 2011
Portland, Oregon
www.businessandenvironment.org
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm, providing comprehensive analytical testing, including analyses for sediments, drinking water, PCB, and dioxin/furan. TestAmerica companies provide services in indoor air, air emissions, and remediation products.
Stop by Booth # 45 to learn more about:
TestAmerica's DoD ELAP Accreditation Northwest and Alaska TPH methods (VPH and EPH) Sediment testing and supported programs Specialty analytical techniques for the Pacific Northwest Region
Call for more information on TestAmerica's technical expertise and capabilities:
Portland Laboratory
(503) 906-9200
Seattle Laboratory
(253) 922-2310
Spokane Laboratory
(509) 924-9200
Portland, Oregon
www.businessandenvironment.org
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm, providing comprehensive analytical testing, including analyses for sediments, drinking water, PCB, and dioxin/furan. TestAmerica companies provide services in indoor air, air emissions, and remediation products.
Stop by Booth # 45 to learn more about:
Call for more information on TestAmerica's technical expertise and capabilities:
Portland Laboratory
(503) 906-9200
Seattle Laboratory
(253) 922-2310
Spokane Laboratory
(509) 924-9200
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Ask The Expert: Indoor Mold Issues
Ask the Expert Question (1 of 3):
Does a wall area of 2'x2' of Stachybotrys or Aspergillus need to be contained?
TestAmerica Expert: Ariunaa Jalsrai
Expert's Response:
Indoor growth of Aspergillus, Stachybotrys, and other indicator fungi of water damaged environments warrants a risk assessment, which usually requires future investigation. Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However, some people are sensitive to molds. These people may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation when exposed to molds. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Immunocompromised persons and persons with chronic lung diseases are at increased risk for opportunistic infections and may develop fungal infections in their lungs.
I am not an industrial hygienist; however, I would recommend removing the mold growth from the wall.
Question # 2 of 3:
The indoor air has 5 times more mold (Aspergillus) than the outdoors. Is this normal or anything to worry about?
Does a wall area of 2'x2' of Stachybotrys or Aspergillus need to be contained?
TestAmerica Expert: Ariunaa Jalsrai
Expert's Response:
Indoor growth of Aspergillus, Stachybotrys, and other indicator fungi of water damaged environments warrants a risk assessment, which usually requires future investigation. Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However, some people are sensitive to molds. These people may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation when exposed to molds. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Immunocompromised persons and persons with chronic lung diseases are at increased risk for opportunistic infections and may develop fungal infections in their lungs.
I am not an industrial hygienist; however, I would recommend removing the mold growth from the wall.
Question # 2 of 3:
The indoor air has 5 times more mold (Aspergillus) than the outdoors. Is this normal or anything to worry about?
Expert's Response:
Molds are very common in buildings and homes and will grow anywhere indoors where there is moisture. The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium and Aspergillus. In the indoor environment, Aspergillus can be found in household dust, building materials, ornamental plants, flower arrangements, tobacco, food and water. Some Aspergillus species can cause adverse health effects.
Approximately 20 species of Aspergillus have been reported as causative agents of opportunistic infections in humans. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most important opportunist and is commonly encountered in hospitals as well as other environments. Other species, such as A. flavus, A. terreus, A. niger, and A. nidulans, can also cause human infections. I would recommend performing speciation of Aspergillus.
Question # 3 of 3:
Should we mix the bleach a little stronger, say 1 part bleach to 5 parts of water or would the standard of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water be OK?
Should we mix the bleach a little stronger, say 1 part bleach to 5 parts of water or would the standard of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water be OK?
Expert's Response:
I am not a professional hygienist, so I could not answer this question, but The CDC provides excellent on-line resources: http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm.
I am not a professional hygienist, so I could not answer this question, but The CDC provides excellent on-line resources: http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm.
For example, mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.
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