Endotoxin Testing & Analysis Lab Services
Bacterial endotoxins are inflammatory proteins, lipids and lipopolysaccharide associated with Gram-negative bacteria. Exposure to endotoxins can severely affect lung functions and lead to pulmonary diseases including asthma, chronic bronchitis and obstructive pulmonary disease. Eurofins EMLab P&K offers endotoxin analysis via the sensitive Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay for reliable detection and quantification of endotoxins in air, dust and liquids.
Metal working fluids (MWFs) are mineral oils and water-mixed fluids used as lubricants and coolants during the machining or treatment of metal components. Exposure to MWFs occurs through skin contact or by inhalation of droplets. The United State Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addresses hazards associated with MWFs in specific standards for general industry, shipyard employment, and the construction industry.
During their lifetime MWFs are likely to change their composition with an increase of metal fines, tramp oil and bacteria. Those changes may increase the risk of adverse health effects.
Endotoxin testing of MWFs is a sensitive and efficient method to monitor the sump and air of occupational environments where metal machining or treatment takes place as it correlates directly with the level of Gram-negative bacteria.
Endotoxin concentrations are particularly high in some occupational settings such as farming and livestock industry, waste and sewage treatment, for scientists handling rodents as well as in many other settings with high levels of organic dust. In 2010, the Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Safety (DECOS) recommended a health-based exposure limit of 90 EU/m3 over an 8-hour period. Air concentrations of endotoxins measured in residential homes or offices are typically much lower.