Semi-volatile organic chemicals (SVOCs) are man-made chemicals that have a moderate to low vapor pressure (volatility) and include chemicals such as flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides and some PFAS chemicals.
Analysis
We use a combination of gas and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to quantify 89 different SVOCs.
Sample submission requirements
Wristbands:
Pre-cleaned wristbands are provided by the DCEE along with instructions for use. After collection, wristbands must be wrapped tightly in aluminum foil (provided) and stored at -20C immediately after collection. Samples can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days, but should be shipped to the laboratory on blue ice.
House Dust:
500 mg of sieved (<100 microns) of dust collected via a method that is at the discretionary of the researcher. Dust should be stored in either a precleaned amber glass jar or vial and stored at -20C immediately after collection. Samples should be shipped to the laboratory on blue ice.
Quality assurance & quality control
With each batch of samples analyzed we routinely measure field blanks and evaluate the recovery of the isotopically labeled internal standards. For dust samples we also include analysis of SRM 2585 for comparison to certified levels reported by NIST.