Dioxins are a large group of halogenated aromatic compounds, including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs).

PCDD/Fs are formed unintentionally from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons in the presence of chlorine, such as during metal processing or waste incineration.

Due to their high melting points and stability, PCDD/Fs are very persistent in the environment, and can be found in many environmental matrices such as soils, air, and water. Along with their toxicity, potential to bioaccumulate, and ability for long-range transport, PCDD/Fs are classified as ‘persistent organic pollutants’ (POPs) and are listed on the Stockholm Convention 

Of the 210 PCDD/F congeners, only a few are considered to have significant risk to human health. The toxicity of these compounds is measured against the most toxic congener: 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzop-dioxin (TCDD), and the overall toxicity of a sample is reported as the Toxic Equivalent (TEQs). 

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were once widely used as dielectric and coolant fluids in electrical apparatus, carbonless copy paper and in heat transfer fluids. Some PCBs with similar structure and properties to that of dioxins are also toxic. These are known as dioxin-like PCBs (dL-PCBs).  

Our Capabilities

Analysis of dioxins, furans and POPs is particularly challenging due to the low level of regulatory exposure limits and the variety of complex sample matrices encountered. Eurofins Environment Testing uses highly selective gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to achieve sub-picogram per litre (pg/L) limits of reporting for analysis of aqueous, solid, and air samples, and surface wipes.