We are pleased to add two types of formaldehyde analysis to our list of product testing services. Most formaldehyde people come in contact with is in their clothing, typically used for its anti-wrinkle properties. For individuals concerned with whether or not their children's clothing contains this dangerous material, we offer pass/fail testing that is quick and easy.
Those who wish to determine the exact level of formaldehyde my opt for our calibrated UV-VIS spectrophotometer method which will determine exactly how much is present in your fabric. Please see our Product Testing page for more information.
Thanks for visiting Lab/Cor Materials' new website. Pardon our dust while the kinks are being worked out, and if you can't find what you're looking for, remember that you may always contact us via phone.
Lab/Cor Materials is a new laboratory created to serve the northwest's materials testing needs. It was formed in June, 2008 as a new company separate from Lab/Cor, Inc, a lab more dedicated to environmental testing than materials analysis. Renovations are now complete at the 810 NW 45th Street building and the laboratory is fully operational. See the contact page for a map to our new location.
A toy being screened for Phthalates
Lab/Cor Materials is pleased to announce that we are now testing for Phthalates. Phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates) are a group of polymer additives which have been shown to cause a variety of health problems for people of all ages. High levels of phthalates can cause damage to the liver and genitals, and children are most susceptible. Small amounts of exposure have been shown to alter hormonal balances, so you may wish to know whether or not your child's toys contain this harmful substance. Beginning in 2009 the concentration of phthalates present in new items will be regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (HR 4040), recently signed into federal law.
Any rubbery or soft item is a possible carrier of phthalates. Toy manufacturers use the additive to make PVC (a normally hard plastic) soft, as in the case of many plastic insects, for example. The most popular type of phthalate is called Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or DEHP and it is found in everything from children's slippers to common reusable water bottles.
Screening for phthalates is extremely easy and quick. At Lab/Cor Materials, we can test almost anything you bring to us in a non-destructive manner, so you can keep using your phthalate-free items after testing. Testing is done with FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and will identify both the type of plastic and whither or not it contains phthalates in seconds.
Check our Product Testing page for more information.